CHIEF Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial has initiated reforms in various organs of the apex court, especially the case management system to ensure provision of speedy and inexpensive justice, which indeed is the right of every person and must be ensured as there is a famous legal maxim that justice delayed is justice denied.
As part of reforms, several committees headed by judges have been formed for speedy justice. A proforma has been introduced for those desiring early hearing of cases.
Then under a policy, over a dozen cases are being fixed before each bench which is gradually increasing the case disposal rate.
Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, which formulates proposals for legislation to the government is being reactivated and Rifat Inam has been appointed as its Secretary. These very steps really indicate the new CJP is very serious and considerate to improve the working of the top judiciary for the benefit of the petitioners.
We are confident that the very results of these reforms will be very much visible in the days ahead. The long cherished dream of early disposal of cases, however, cannot be achieved without the cooperation of the bar.
Common struggle and determination of both the bar and bench can really ensure the availability of less costly and early justice for the people ,which in fact will help maintain the confidence of the society on the functioning of the judicial system. Together they can make the life of common man easy and secure. For early disposal of cases, undue adjournment of cases should be discouraged.
An adjournment policy should be formulated whereby lawyers are required to give strong reasons before the court for adjournment of any case. We also expect that the reforms being introduced in the apex court will also reach the high courts and especially the lower courts where the pendency rate is quite high.
We pray the honourable CJP to oversee the reforms process there as well in order to take the matters towards improvement. Unnecessary litigation should also be discouraged as this only consumes the very significant time and resources of judicial system but serves no purpose.
