News
SC to observe Golden Jubilee in 2006
ISLAMABAD, Jan 20 : A Full Court of the Supreme Court has unanimously resolved to observe the Golden Jubilee of the Apex Court in the year 2006, in a simple and austere manner, befitting he dignity of the Apex Court.
The Full Court meeting was held in the Supreme Court Building at Islamabad yesterday which was presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and attended by the Judges and Registrar of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan will complete 50 years of existence in March, 2006. The theme shall be “Justice For All.” Events will include holding conferences and seminars. Committees comprising Judges of the Court would be constituted to plan various events to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Court.
Earlier, Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Judges in quick disposal of cases and expeditious dispensation of justice to the litigant public.
It was observed in the meeting that benches had continued to work during summer and winter vacations to address the issue of backlog of cases. Adjournment of cases is being discouraged.It was further observed that during the last six months i.e. from July 01, 2005 to December 31, 2005, a total of 6535 cases were instituted in the Supreme Court as against the total disposal of 10688 cases by the Court. Various strategies were employed to clear the backlog that has accumulated over the years.
The Full Court expressed satisfaction over the reduced pendency and reiterated its commitment to continue to work with zeal and enthusiasm to decide cases expeditiously.
The meeting was told that with a view to facilitate the learned advocates, litigant parties and general public in getting information and obtaining copies of documents, an Information Counter had been opened in the main entrance hall at the Principal Seat, Islamabad and Branch Registries, where all necessary information and services with regard to case status, cause list, issuance of certified copies of the judgments etc. are being provided at one window.It was observed that arrangements have been made to fix, on the following day, all newly instituted petitions for leave to appeal, miscellaneous applications for stay order in appeals or review petitions in which the author judge has retired.
The meeting was told that following an exercise to obtain data about the cases of prisoners pending in the Supreme Court, a Special Bench was constituted at Islamabad, both for Shariat Petitions/Appeals and Jail Petitions/ Appeals. Arrangements have been made to provide legal aid to the unrepresented Jail Petitioners.
The full court meeting observed that frequent adjournments are the principal cause for delay. It was held in the meeting that strict limits for grant of adjournments should be laid down. Adjournment be granted as an exception and not as a rule.It was decided that the trend of seeking adjournment by lawyers or litigant parties must be discouraged, and in appropriate cases compensatory costs will be imposed on the party seeking adjournment. Costs will also be imposed on those litigants parties who file false or frivolous cases and thereby waste the previous time of the Court.