Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry addressing the Bar at Daska on Saturday, ahead of his speach at the Sialkot Bar Association. PHOTO: PID
“Delay in dispensation of justice not only causes agony to the litigants but also badly affects the fabric of socio-economic activities,” the Chief Justice said while speaking to members of the District Bar Association in Sialkot on Saturday.
“The delay discourages the people to approach to Courts for the redressal of their grievances.”
The Chief Justice noted that the district judiciary was the first impression of courts the people get since they service almost 90% of all cases. “About ninety percent of the litigants, at first stage, come in contact with District Judiciary. Therefore, the impression and confidence of public regarding the judicial system, is directly dependent upon their experience at this level.”
“I also urge you never to negate your duty to fight for justice, the rule of law, constitutionalism, and independence of the judiciary and stay peaceful while keeping yourself away from boycotting the Court’s proceedings un-necessarily, because in such an event the ultimate sufferers of such strikes would be the litigant public.”
1999 coup impeded nation’s development
The CJP’s address was on the 14-year anniversary of the 1999 coup by then Chief of Army Staff General Pervez Muhsarraf. He noted that effects of that day’s events could be felt even today.
“The toppling of democratic government by a military dictator was inauspicious for the future evolution and development of our country. It halted and retarded the growth of nascent democratic institutions.”
The Chief Justice added that such days should be remembered so that lessons may be drawn from it and rectify mistakes.
“As I stand before you today, this October 12, 2013, I am happy to say that the bench and the bar have strived hard during the past decade or so to restore and enforce the Constitution in toto, established a system of governance based on respect for the Constitution, rule of law and independence of judiciary.”
Justice Chaudhry added that being able to deliver justice at a fast pace, today, the public expectations from the courts have further heightened. “Let us strive so as to create an atmosphere wherein democratic dispensation may strengthen and peoples problems and grievances are resolved, so that the event of October 12, 1999, never recur again.”
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To speed up justice here is what can be done at very little cost. One, work two shifts in the same courtroom. Two, work on Sundays also. Three, allow retired judges to hear cases. Four, divide the judge's time into say one hour periods and give date of next hearing along with period. Five, keep all courts working each month; if you must give summer holidays, stagger them. Six, if a judge is on leave, make the Ahl Madd inform litigants by SMS where possible, before they arrive at court and return home disappointed.
I appreciate CJ for his courage to make us understand that those sitting in airconditioned offices in federal and provincial capitals are not invinciable. I also appreciate his courage to admit the weakness in judiciary in terms of delays and corruption in particular. Not sure if I have missed out the way forward and policy.
Charity begins at home. Who is stopping him to break this custom of delays and start clearing mess from his home namely Arslan Iftikhar vs Malik Riaz.
Dear Chief Justice you preside over the fourth most corrupt institutions in the country and you are also playing politics No doubt people won't trust you
Please eradicate two month summer vacations of Judges. If whole Pakistan can work for whole year why judges can't? Do not urge do something.
“The toppling of democratic government by a military dictator was inauspicious for the future evolution and development of our country. It halted and retarded the growth of nascent democratic institutions.”
The Chief Justice added that such days should be remembered so that lessons may be drawn from it and rectify mistakes.
Did you sir CJP not take oath from General Musharraf when others chose to take a stand and refused allegiance to the General? Hollow words