ISLAMABAD : Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Saturday said that an independent and robust mechanism for the dispensation of justice is the only way to ensure stability, good governance and maintain our democratic ideals. Addressing the inaugural session of two-day judicial conference, the CJ said that without good governance, it is not possible to achieve economic development.
And without economic development nation building remains a pipe dream. National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee is striving to provide adequate, prompt and impartial relief to all persons who come before irrespective of their station in society, ethnic background, religion or gender is facilitated.
"We will redress their grievances and protect the poor and needy from cruelty, oppression and exploitation," the Chief Justice said. "And if we achieve this; it is certain we will manage to put in place the procedural mechanism to ensure the independent and robust dispensation of justice required to boost the morale of our somewhat harassed and beleaguered nation," said the Chief Justice.
He said efficient and organised system of justice is the need of the hour. We owe it to the nation, indeed we owe to our future generations, including our own children to live in a secure and civilised environment. The CJ said that all those who are directly involved in the administration of justice, be they judges, members of the Bar, law officers of the State, prosecutors or members of their staff, are duty-bound to ensure dispensation of justice in all cases and without exception, in a manner that ensures these principles are upheld and applied.
The National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee has tried to give effect to this in the form of the National Judicial Policy that came into force one month ago. But it is you, members of this august gathering, who, being the implementers of this policy are entrusted with the onerous responsibility of ensuring its success, he added.
Implementation of the National Judicial Policy is an obligation we all have to perform. Let there be no doubt, a strict mechanism of accountability will be embarked upon to ensure we all fulfil our obligations. I and my colleagues in the NJPMC shall regularly and vigorously monitor the implementation of the policy, the CJ added.
He said that National Judicial Policy 2009 provides that all Special Courts/ Tribunals under the administrative control of the executive should be placed under the control and supervision of the judiciary. The Constitution is the binding force for keeping the nation together, united and marching on the path of progress. One of the key principles of the Constitution is the system of separation of powers between the legislature, executive and judiciary.
It is in line with the requirements of the Constitution to separate all judicial officers from the executive. The presiding officers of special courts need to be appointed and posted on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of concerned high court.
It is primary duty of the government to provide justice at the doorsteps of the public at large. I do hope that the government will take necessary measures to implement the National Judicial Policy in letter and in spirit keeping in view the independence of judiciary, he added. He said that independent and impartial administration of justice contributes to strengthening constitutional norms and rule of law in society.
The principle of rule of law, as universally accepted, is a civilised principle of governance. Therefore, efficient judiciary contributes towards strengthening the State institutions. This is possible only when state organs and institutions perform functions by remaining within their allotted spheres.
Concluding his speech, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said let me lay stress on the point that notwithstanding the problems and difficulties, with earnest efforts and dedicated service, we can deliver. The people of Pakistan look forward to us for relief and succour. They have confidence in us and have great expectations from us that we will come to their rescue when their rights are violated or their entitlements snatched from them, he added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2009 |
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