Justice Umar Ata Bandial says forming bench solely CJP’s discretion
Makes it clear his, fellow judges’ appointment was on merit
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Asking the detractors to stop pointing fingers at judges and the judiciary, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Friday urged those finding faults with the Supreme Court (SC) bench formed to hear the presidential reference, seeking interpretation of Article 63-A of the constitution, to name those judges on the bench with whom they had issues, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a full-court reference held to bid farewell to Justice Qazi Muhammad Ameen, who is set to retire today (Friday), he, apparently referring to SC judge Justice Qazi Isa’s recent remarks, said it was solely the CJP’s discretion to form a bench and to pick up judges for that.
He informed that the apex court had decided 4, 000 cases during February and March, 2022, while the number of pending cases had come down by 1, 000.
Justice Bandial further said that the tendency to repeatedly seek adjournments was being discouraged.
He said whosoever had any complaint, he was free to come to him and see him.
The CJP said honesty and competence of a judge were the criteria for his inclusion in a bench.
He was of the view that a judge’s patience and his ability to pronounce decisions free from any pressure was of paramount importance.
“If you just issue statements rather than talking to me; this means that you are only interested in making headlines,” Justice Bandial.
Addressing Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Ahsan Bhoon, he said he was free to visit him at his office till 9:00 PM. “I want to tell you that I and my fellow judges are here because of our integrity and ability, and we are appointed on merit, ” he stated emphatically.
The CJP asked the likes of Bhoon and others to stop calling registrar Supreme Court names. “He has 20-year of experience,” he said.
Praising Justice Qazi Muhammad Ameen, he said that the judge had given some historic decisions in criminal cases. “Justice Ameen, in his decisions, highlighted the importance of providing security to the witnesses by the state,” CJP Bandial said, and added, “He also gave historic decisions for the protection of women’s rights.”
Reporter: Amanat Gishkori