Fair verdicts a must to strengthen economy: CJP

KARACHI - Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry Saturday said that decisions according to rule of law could strengthen states economy and socio-political system. Addressing to newly elected office-bearers of Karachi Bar Association after administering them oath at the Sindh High Court premises, the CJP said that number of cases pending in lower courts was much higher as compared to apex and superior courts. The 90 per cent cases are pending in lower courts while 10 per cent in the Supreme Court and high courts, he added. Since implementation of National judicial Policy in June 2009, 3,100,000 cases have been decided and 2,600,000 new cases have been registered in courts, he said. This is in addition to the old backlog of cases pending with judiciary, he further said. He said many complaints regarding quick disposal were already received, which could not be ignored. He said that according to Article 37(d) of 1973 Constitution, it was the responsibility of state to provide inexpensive and expeditious justice. Although many efforts were made time and again to improve justice delivery system, yet they have not been very fruitful, he said. To fructify this it is essential that all stakeholders including judges, lawyers, litigant parties and court staff cooperate with one another, he added. He said that there had been a drastic change in the country since the success of lawyers movement. I am aware of expectations of public from judiciary, he said. He said that comprehensive policy was devised to make judges independent so that they should perform their duties without any personal or political influence. Chief justices and judges of superior judiciary agreed not to accept any executive post, no matter how high post may be. Constitution obliges executive to separate judiciary from executive, he said. On appointment of judges on executive posts, the Chief Justice said that many judicial officers were withdrawn from executive and deputed to perform judicial functions. Now, if any judicial officer is appointed to perform duty in office other than judiciary not only such appointment shall be illegal but he/she may also be proceeded against competent authority of judges, he added.