Legislative inaction on reforms ails judicial system: CJP

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar Saturday said that inordinate delay in delivery of justice is a big problem which warrants a solution. Addressing a ceremony here, the chief justice said, "We cannot make laws, it is the duty of legislature to make laws and introduce reforms." He said the masses should have access to swift and cheap justice, but there were complaints of delay in dispensation of justice in almost every country. Tracing the reasons of delay in provision of justice, CJP Nisar said the judges were overburdened with backlog of cases owing to shortage of judges.
"The Supreme Court does not go beyond its jurisdiction, and work well within its limits. But, whose duty is to introduce reforms," he asked. He said law-making was not our responsibility, but no one had ever paid heed to reforms to cure ailing judicial system. While the judiciary couldn't bring reforms in the judicial system, the courts were working according to their limited resources, the chief justice said. He clarified that he was not criticizing those responsible for legislation.
Dispelling the notion that the courts were responsible for setting free culprits, the CJP said unfortunately, investigation is carried out in a substandard manner. Many criminals succeeded in getting off the hook owing to weak prosecution and eventually the blame for letting culprits walk away unscathed is parked at the door of the judiciary. Except Punjab, he regretted, he had not seen forensic lab of good standards in other parts of the country.
Later, addressing a judicial conference in Karachi, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar said that the parliament is supreme and responsibility for updating the law lies with it which is why it is requested to revise the law. He said that he would take responsibility for any judge across the country committing a mistake once the parliament revises the law for needed up-gradation. CJP said that provision of justice as per the constitution is right of every citizen of Pakistan.
He said that judiciary alone is not responsible for delayed verdicts in cases across the country as courts do not have the facilities that are required. Owing to lack of required facilities, judges are not able to give their entire input in cases, CJP Nisar said. He added that reforms brought about by the judiciary would be of no use unless the parliament reviews the law. He directed the judges to not out any cases in re-hearing process and that cases that are three months old should be delivered verdicts in within a month. CJP Nisar said that 90 days are enough for courts to deliver verdicts and code on conduct would be changed for the cause if needed.