Newly appointed Lahore High Court Chief Justice Sayed Zahid Hussain has said that favouritism, bribery and nepotism have no place in the judicial system and these evils should not be tolerated at any cost. After taking oath of 37th Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court at a simple but impressive ceremony he presided over the meeting of all the LHC judges.
Caretaker Chief Minister Ijaz Nisar, judges, provincial ministers, advocate general Punjab and other prominent personalities also attended the ceremony. Later in another ceremony held at the court, Justice Mazhar Hussain Minhas took the oath. He was appointed judge on December 14 but was unable to take oath because he had gone to perform Hajj. Chief Justice Sayed Zahid Hussain administered oath to him.
The Chief Justice said that anyone found guilty of corruption and other evils, would not only face disciplinary action but criminal proceedings would also be initiated against him. "The 'rotten fish' who have brought a bad name for the institution should consider themselves accountable, he added.
He appreciated honest judges, saying that upright judicial officers should continue deciding cases as per constitution and to the voice of their conscience because for that they would be rewarded in the end. The Chief Justice said that in order to redress the grievances of poor people he has established a compliant cell at LHC office.
Bar and bench are the part and parcel of judicial system as well for its smooth running because the dispensation of justice to the common people would not be possible without their unity, the Chief Justice said adding let us move forward and make combined efforts at the beginning of new year.
He said Islam had vehemently emphasised over equality and justice in the society. The last prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated the best judicial system in the world, he added. He said true judicial system was the backbone of a society and a society could only stay with peace and tranquillity as long as it is based on justice. "The movement it derails, it is finished," he added.
The Chief Justice said that if the right person is not given his due share in the society and the grievances of deprived strata are not redressed, that society is bound to wipe out sooner or later.
"A judge who discharges his duty according to the voice of his conscience and as per the will of the God, he will never feel frightened by the materialistic forces," the Chief Justice said. This is the pivotal part of a Muslim's faith, he said and added, "I therefore, expect from a judge that he would discharge his duties as per constitution and law without taking into consideration any pressure and favour."