LAHORE: We seldom try people for contempt despite the criticism against us, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar said on Saturday.
He was addressing a ceremony organised by lawyers in Lahore.
The CJP said that the current SC bench comprised people who were truly independent and held up to the highest standards of integrity.
“Today, on this forum, I say that when I critically analyse my team, I never find any flaw. Yes, there can be a lack of knowledge on this bench, and I would raise my hand and admit in front of you all that my knowledge is probably the least among my peers on the bench. I believe that this team, once it starts working together, will be purer than gold and provide exemplary justice.”
Speaking to his fellow judges, Justice Nisar told the story of Lord Denning, a famous judge, and Mrs Stone.
“Mrs Stone threw a book at Lord Denning because she did not believe the judgement was fair. The book missed Lord Denning as he tilted his head and instead hit the wall behind him. He smiled and calmly remarked: ‘I am sure this wasn’t pointed at us.’ That is the level of calm judges are expected to show,” Justice Nisar said.
“If anyone believes that being an SC judge is a paid vacation, they should think again. Every judge has the responsibility of providing justice to the people. We will have to answer in front of God for the work we do here,” the CJP said, adding that he expected the highest level of conduct from judges.
“Being a judge is not about being able to pass whatever judgement one likes. It is about providing justice by the book. And if any of us cannot do that, we should retire and do something else. We are not here to have fun; we are here to give people exemplary justice,” he said.
“I sometimes equate lawyers with doctors. Doctors cure physical ailments and lawyers cure the ailments of the society,” the CJP said.
The chief justice said that the bar and the bench were two arms connected to the same body and one could not function without the other.
Published in Daily Times, January 21st 2018.
