Testing the judges: Courts empty as lawyers go on strike

Protest against judges’ appointment procedure causes cases to be adjourned

PESHAWAR: Lawyers were on a complete strike on Monday in Peshawar High Court, its circuit benches and lower judiciary against a decision to screen applicants for additional session judges (ADJ).

The call for boycotting the court proceedings was given by K-P Bar Council to all district bar associations. As a result, many lawyers stayed away from routine court proceedings, resulting in several cases being adjourned due to their absence.

“The recent screening test conducted in connection with appointment of ADJ has caused serious resentment throughout the legal fraternity of the province,” a statement issued from the office of bar council read.

“The exam conducted was not according to the syllabus and advertisement. This has upset many candidates. Our vice chairman and a member met chief justice but they were not satisfied,” member of Executive Committee Razaullah Khan told The Express Tribune.

Khan added it was only a day long strike. He said they would hold another meeting soon to plan their next step.

The lawyers had given 24 hours to the PHC on Friday to retract its decision about an exam taken earlier by prospective ADJs. The complaint put forward by the legal community stated that the mechanism of passing marks was made after the relevant examination was taken by the candidates. Furthermore, they complained that candidates were not made aware prior to the examination about the method by which marks would be deducted in case of incorrect answers.

There were a total of 25 posts of additional session judge. The screening exam was held about two weeks ago and a total of 596 candidates appeared in the test.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2015.