Judiciary being reformed: LHC CJ

LAHORE

The celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Lahore High Court kicked off on Tuesday as Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah inaugurated the celebrations along with former chief justices and colleague judges.  

The chief justice said the purpose of celebrating the 150th anniversary of the LHC was to make people know that the judiciary was active to save their rights and that positive reforms were being introduced to the system.

Former chief justices, sitting judges of the LHC and lower judiciary, provincial and federal law officers and officials of the courts were present on the occasion. The ceremony was held at the judges’ lawn of the LHC where Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and former CJs hoisted flag to inaugurate the celebrations.

In his address, the LHC CJ emphasised the preservation of history of the Lahore High Court that proved to be a milestone for a formal justice system and dispensation of justice in Punjab. “We should not forget to mention that LHC’s history starts from 1866 and that there was no formal judicial system prior to that date,” said Chief Justice Shah. He said A A Robbert was first Judicial Commissioner who was made head of this historical court of Punjab.

The chief justice urged the judges to work hard to provide justice to the masses because it was their prime and the most important duty. They must not fear anyone while delivering justice, he said. He lauded the role of the bars for their continuous struggle for the supremacy of law, and called them integral part of the judicial system.

The LHC was established in 1866 as the chief court of the Punjab. In 1915, it was named High Court with jurisdictions over the provinces of Punjab and Delhi. In 1937, the strength of judges was increased from five to 15.

On August 15, 1947, it was given the name of High Court of Lahore. On September 30, 1955, it was renamed as High Court for the Province of West Pakistan. On October 14, 1955, it was renamed as High Court of West Pakistan. In the 1956 Constitution, it was renamed as the High Court of West Pakistan.

On January 1, 1981, allied benches of the LHC were established in Bahawalpur, Multan and Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, district event committee held its meeting to finalise the arrangement in connection with the LHC 150th celebrations.

District and Sessions Judge Nazir Ahmed Ganjana presided the meeting while members of five sub-committees also participated and gave their recommendations. Ganjana directed all committees to speed up their efforts to make the celebrations a success. All members assured Mr Ganjana that they would leave no stone unturned to accomplish the task.