ISLAMABAD - Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Monday said that a civilised system of governance was based on strict observation of the constitutional norms and adherence to the rule of law. He said this while addressing a delegation of the National Defence University (NDU). The delegation, led by Admiral Tayyab, called on the Chief Justice at the Supreme Court building. The Chief Justice said that in a civilised system of governance, every act and decision had to be in accordance with the law, which protected the poor and the vulnerable. Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry also briefed the delegation on the system of administration of justice, functioning of the apex judiciary and the role assigned to the superior judiciary in interpreting the Constitution and the law. Chief Justice further said that it was the duty of the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, to ensure compliance of the Constitution in letter and spirit. He said that as the Chief Justice of Pakistan, he had always endeavoured to ensure that every act and action was fully in accordance with the requirements of law and the Constitution. He said that the Constitution envisaged the system of governance to be based on rule of law, which meant that law was supreme and paramount. Every one, no matter how high in status or power he or she is, is equal before the law. The Chief Justice also said that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms, which, were equally and evenly available to all and were binding and enforceable. They have to be respected and obeyed by all and sundry, he added. He said it was the duty of the superior courts to ensure that there was no violation of the Constitution and that was why the Constitution allowed powers for the high courts and the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice further said that the law basically protected the weak and venerable and the benefits of the law must reach the under-privileged. He said that under the Constitution, it was the responsibility of state to provide inexpensive and expeditious justice and safeguard the rights and interest of the people at large, saying the judiciary acted as a watchdog. Chief Justice also informed the delegation regarding short and long-term policy launched by National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC), which will be applicable from June 1, 2009. Meanwhile, Admiral Tayyab, presented a shield to the Chief Justice on behalf of the National Defence University as token of remembrance. The Chief Justice also presented a shield to the Admiral Tayyab. The delegation included senior officers from Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Civil Services and participants from Foreign Countries. Monitoring Desk adds: According to BBC, CJ Iftikhar said doctrine of necessirty has now been buried and now deicision will be pronounced under compulsion. Meanwhile, Justice Iftikhar has once again lamented over keeping the accused persons in jails without submitting the necessary challans, declaring that the diligent police officers would be given exemplary punishment. While observing during the hearing of a case on Monday that people were rotting in jails, the CJP enquired from the AIG, representing Punjab IG in the court as to how many such police officers, who kept the accused in custody without challan, were sent home. Justice Chaudhry maintained said that all the organisations were bound to comply with the orders of the Supreme Court under the Constitution and any one defying them would be given exemplary punishment. The Chief Justice ordered that details of all the accused persons, being kept all across Punjab in jails without challans, presentation, should be provided. The police sought time, upon which, the court gave for three days for this purpose and adjourned.