PESHAWAR: Chief Justice, Peshawar High Court (PHC), Justice Musarrat Hilali chaired a meeting, which was attended by all the judges.
On the occasion, the meeting took several important decisions.
The chair welcomed the participants and opened the house for threadbare discussion on the agenda already circulated to the judges.
The Chief Justice appreciated the performance of special benches of the Court and unanimously agreed to continue the same practice. This will help expeditious disposal of matters of the same nature.
It was also decided that strict observance of the official timing of the courts by Judges of the High Court and the judges of the District Judiciary will be ensured.
The matter relating to a uniform/ dress code for all the Judges of the District Judiciary and their staff, the staff members of the High Court establishment was taken and it was decided that they shall strictly observe the dress code notified by the High Court.
Additionally, the clerks of learned advocates would also observe the official dress/ uniform.
To eradicate corruption in both District Judiciary and staff members of the High Court, it was decided that any anonymous complaints received against Judicial Officers or staff members shall be examined by a committee presided over by a Judge of High Court and recommendation on the matter will be placed before the competent authority.
The way forward and steps were discussed for implementation of the judgment of the Apex Court in the case of Meesha Shafi Vs Ali Zaffar relating to the rules making.
The chief Justice apprised the members of her various visits to different jails. The pathetic condition of the under-trial and condemned prisoners was also discussed.
The full court had taken serious note of the prisoners’ poor conditions and lack of facilities, unhygienic food, an un-conducive atmosphere/ environment within the jail premises, and irrational housing of prisoners in various jails.
Decisions were made for remedial and appropriate actions to be implemented by the various competent fora.
The cases relating to unnecessary adjournments also came under discussion and it was decided that shortly a meeting shall be held with the stakeholders including the learned members of the Bar and to chalk out uniform criteria for regulating the matter to avoid unnecessary adjournments which is indeed a big question mark upon the performance of the judiciary.
The necessary approvals were granted for amendment in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and amendments were also suggested in the appointment and promotion rules of Subordinate Judicial Officers relating to the (MCMC) Mid-Career and (SMC) Senior Management Course.
In this regard, Sub-Committees to be chaired by the Judge of the High Court were recommended.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023