LAHORE – Lahore High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial has said that courts have to dispense justice in accordance with constitution and the law of the land. The judges are answerable before the court of almighty Allah and the litigant public.
He was speaking at a ceremony of launching updated LHC website and first ever call center (LHC Helpline -1134) with the technical assistance of Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).
The judges, LHC registrar and other officers were also present on the occasion. The chief justice termed both the products a landmark in the judicial history of the country.
“It will enhance the performance of courts and depict transparency of the institution. Litigant public will be able to manage their case while staying at home.”
He said that aim of the judiciary and its destination was determined. The judges had to strive hard for providing relief to the aggrieved persons and divert all available recourses for the welfare of the litigants.
“Our foremost priority is the man who needs justice for which we work after court hours and also progress the case even in the absence of their counsel,” he added.
LHC Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah explained the salient features of the updated website and LHC helpline 1134. He said that with this facility people would be able to have access to the status of their cases telephonically.
The LHC helpline would serve from 7:00am to 11:00 pm. People dialing from other stations will have to dial city code 042 as well as country code in case of being abroad.
Justice Manooor said the cause lists of cases would ready by 04:00 p.m. “Emphasis is on surfacing the reported judgments and their status in case of their challenge before Supreme Court. The names of journals wherein the judgments have found space would also be readily available for citation. Earlier it took months to get published such judgments in the law journals. Orders on election petitions will also be accessible on the website,” Justice Mansoor added.
Later on, the chief justice accompanied with Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik visited sessions courts premises and presided over a meeting of returning officers. He asked about the problems facing the ROs.
He directed the ROs to complete the election process without fear or favour so that no one could point a finger on their fairness and integrity.
The chief justice said that media had a vital role to play in the forthcoming elections. He said camera coverage inside the courtrooms was not permitted under the law; however, reporters were welcomed to cover the proceedings for information of the general public.