Dispensing justice a matter of life and death: CJP

Justice Asif Khosa terms police role backbone in criminal justice system

LAHORE: Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has said that dispensation of justice is not an easy task, as it is a matter of life and death and judges cannot dispense it until and unless they have complete understanding of the law.

He was addressing a symposium here on Saturday, held at the Punjab Judicial Academy in connection with model courts and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system in Punjab.

The CJ criticised the police for poor investigation, saying the media shows everything, including evidence about a crime but the police investigators could not see that.

He said criminals get released because of poor investigation and subsequently the courts are blamed. He appreciated the ADR system and model courts in Punjab, saying that judges have to deliver justice in the light of laws which must be improved.

“We have to meet the hopes of the people by delivering justice under the present laws, but we have to continue the process of reforms,” CJ Nisar said.

He said if they could not provide quality justice to the public, it would be their failure and they could not forgive themselves.

SC Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, LHC Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, judges and senior lawyers were present on the occasion.

Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said that the police role was very important in the criminal justice system. “Police role is like a backbone in the criminal justice system,” said Justice Khosa adding that the “system of justice will work successfully if the police would continue working positively.”

Agencies add: The chief justice advised the district court judges to make judgements which could remain unchanged even after filing of appeals against them in high courts and the Supreme Court.

Justice Asif Khosa said that if district courts provide justice to litigants, the burden on the high courts would be reduced automatically.

Lahore High Court CJ Mansoor Ali Shah said the judicial reforms in Punjab aimed at providing justice to common man.