News
Sunday, October 13, 2013
No dictator can dare abrogate constitution now, says CJP* Justice Chaudhry says judiciary dispensing justice without fear or favour
* Shortcomings in judicial performance will be overcome
DASKA: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said on Saturday that no dictator could abrogate the constitution now because students, lawyers, civil society and common man would not allow anybody to derail democratic system in the county.
Addressing lawyers at Daska Bar Association, the CJP said that parliament and democracy were toppled by a dictator on October 12, 1999 but “nobody can derail democracy in the country today”.
He said lawyers had foiled all efforts to wrap up democracy in Pakistan by rendering sacrifices.
Justice Chaudhry said that he was glad to see same passion among lawyers as was seen during their struggle for supremacy of constitution and democracy. “Dignity of the judiciary will be protected no matter how great sacrifices we have to render,” he added.
He said Article 9 ensures protection of basic rights of common man and added that courts have been hearing cases of law and order situation in Karachi and Balochistan.
The chief justice said that due to struggle and sacrifices rendered by members of the bench and bar the nation was able to have an independent judiciary in the country.
“Now judiciary is free in dispensing justice and to safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens without any fear or favour. We may have certain shortcomings in our performance but with the support and cooperation of the legal community, we would certainly be able to overcome the same. The public aspirations and expectations are very high from the institution of administration of justice. People acknowledge your unprecedented role in the maintenance of rule of law and restoration democratic dispensation in the country,” he added.
“It is the fearless support of the judicial independence by the bar that gives hope in the future for the supremacy of the constitution and rule of law,” the CJP said.
“The successful lawyers’ movement has now imposed a great responsibility on the bench and bar to respond to the aspirations of people in dispensation of inexpensive and expeditious justice. The courts at all tiers are working hard to achieve the targets set out by the National Judicial Policy. The wholehearted support and cooperation are required from the bar to achieve these targets. However, since the implementation of the policy, the output of district courts is very encouraging.” agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk