Islamabad : Chief Justice Supreme Court Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that that it is a wrong perception that the judiciary acts against the executive, but it works only under constitution. Independent judiciary could provide strength to entire institutions of the state.
He was speaking to the concluding session of 4th National Judicial Conference here on Sunday . He said that the public confidence is evident from the increase in litigation. These expectations require more sense of responsibility, both on the part of bench as well as the bar. The constitution provides important role to judiciary to activate the others reinstitutions to act upon the law.
He said that the winning of confidence and the great expectations of the public have resulted in the bulk of litigation. The delay although inevitable due to inadequate strength and capacity of Courts, yet is of great concern.
“We are aware that we do not have an adequate infrastructure and the facilities in terms of courtrooms, libraries, trained staff, etc. We also do not have full and effective utilization of the information communication technologies in our judicial system”, Chief Justice added
Chief Justice said that it is not only the system but the man behind the system which plays key role in its success. The judicial officers with cooperation of other stakeholders should take steps for the improvement in the court management system under the guidelines issued by the policy. The Bar must also come forward by installing the Court automation equipment for the benefit of its members to march forward in the new era of information technology to expedite the trial proceedings in the Courts. Heb said that delay in the dispensation of justice is not only the matter of alarm in Pakistani society but this global issue knows no bounds and limits of the time and place in the voyage of history. Almost all the nations of the world have faced this problem. “This may alienate the public from approaching the courts for the redressal of their grievances”, he added.
He said that that the judiciary has inherited the tradition of dedicated collective endeavor of the bench and bar and should strive to establish unbreakable chain of cooperation for greater efficiency, integrity and independence. Since the lawyer’s movement, our judicial system has earned a reputation for great integrity.
“Our constitution stresses upon the right to life, liberty, property and also guarantees freedom of thought, expression, profession, etc. All just and fair opportunity shall be provided to every citizen to attain his or her fundamental rights and freedom” CJP added.
He was of the view that the judiciary is an important pillar and back bone of the state. The independent judiciary is the prerequisite for the stronger nation. The judiciary can be stronger only if all the stakeholders show an absolute commitment, dedication, character, professionalism and vision to work in mission to face the difficulties and meet challenges. but also establish our credentials in the comity of nations. All the stakeholders in the justice delivery system must act in harmony, and work in cooperation so that the system would be healthy and effective.
He said that it is presumed that the law and people’s aspirations should march in same direction. The judiciary through the inherent power of judicial review oversees the march of law.
Justice Iftikhar said that rule of law has a substantial impact on the economic development. Strong constitutional and legal framework is all the more necessary to establish rule of law.
He said that multidimensional approach must be adopted for further improving the implementation of Policy taking into account the current areas needed to be addressed. Dialogue between Bench, Bar and other stakeholders should be encouraged by creating a sense of ownership about the policy.
“Our judicial system is constantly exposed to new complex and multidimensional challenges. The outcome of this conference certainly will help us to meet these challenges”, Chief Justice added. Online
