The Era of Judicial Transparency
The Supreme Court’s operations were mysterious and opaque for many years. The typical person had little knowledge of the processes involved in debating legal issues, reaching verdicts, and administering justice. However, a new era of transparency has arrived in the legal system as a result of the recent decision to broadcast proceedings live.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Isa, has long argued in favor of increasing the transparency and accountability of the legal system. Under his direction, the Supreme Court has launched a number of initiatives to streamline legal processes, advance alternative dispute resolution techniques, and improve the judiciary’s all-around effectiveness. The latest in a series of reforms aimed at achieving these goals is the decision to broadcast court proceedings live.
Supreme Court CJP Isa – A Champion of Change
A more open judiciary is Chief Justice Isa’s goal, and he has attracted both support and criticism for it. But he continues to be unflinching in his commitment to judicial reform. He thinks that fostering public confidence in the legal system requires transparency in judicial proceedings.
In addition to promoting initiatives like the e-Court system, which enables electronic case filing, and the establishment of model courts to hasten case resolution, CJP Isa has also championed the live streaming of court proceedings. These initiatives have significantly helped clear the backlog of cases and increase everyone’s access to justice.
Today Hearing
The Supreme Court of Pakistan held an important hearing on SC Practice Law today, marking an important step in the direction of legal reform and transparency. The entire court deliberated on this important issue under the direction of Chief Justice Qazi Isa. The hearing’s main goal was to evaluate and possibly overhaul the Supreme Court’s current practices and procedures in order to ensure a more effective and fair legal system. This important hearing highlights the judiciary’s dedication to adjusting to Pakistan’s changing needs for justice. The result of this discussion promises to create a legal system that is more equitable, accessible, and responsive to all citizens.
“A judge takes an oath to abide by the Constitution and the law,” says CJP Qazi Faez Isa.
Through Maryam Nawaz CJP Qaez Faez Isa will preside over the full court when it convenes on September 18 to hear Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023. Justice
The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023 is being heard before the full court under the direction of CJP Qaez Faez Isa. Justice
The Supreme Court has made history by allowing live telecast of its hearings on a series of petitions that challenge the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023, a law that the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government passed to limit the chief justice of Pakistan’s suo motu authority.
The hearing on the case is currently being held by the newly appointed CJP Qaez Faez Isa-led full court.
“A judge takes an oath to abide by the Constitution and the law,” says CJP Qazi Faez Isa.
Through Maryam NawazCJP Qaez Faez Isa will preside over the full court when it convenes on September 18 to hear Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023. The Supreme Court (Practice an) hearing was held before a full court presided by Justice CJP Qaez Faez Isa.
The petitions asking for a full court hearing on the petitions were deemed admissible by the supreme court. According to CJP Isa, the full court meeting was where the decision was made to hold a full court hearing.
CJP Isa stated during the hearing that since a new bench had been formed, the case’s arguments would start over.
Three applications to create a full court had been approved, according to CJP Isa.
Mansoor Usman Awan, the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP), provided the federal government’s response in the case prior to the hearing today, urging the court to deny the petitions challenging the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act.
“Petitions opposing acts of the legislature are not permitted. The government’s response stated that the petitions challenging the Practice and Procedure Act “should be dismissed.”
Five cameras are being installed in courtroom number one, sources told Geo News, adding that the decision to broadcast the hearing was made in the full court meeting prior to the hearing on the petitions. Additionally, there are four cameras in the spectator gallery and one for the lawyers’ rostrum in front of the judges’ docks.
Rahim claimed that the Supreme Court’s rules had been “interfered” with by parliament.
“Do you support what happened in the past?” Justice Athar questioned.
The CJP questioned the advocate during the hearing whether he thought the entire law was incorrect or just a few specific clauses.
The lawyer responded, “The Supreme Court makes its own rules of practice and procedure in accordance with Schedule 4 of the Federal Legislative List.
Was this power granted to the Supreme Court by the Constitution or by other legal provisions? Judge Mandokhel enquired.
Attorney Rahim said he would address the questions later.
“Is it not within the purview of the parliament to make this law?” Justice Athar subsequently questioned.
A Glimpse into the Proceedings
Citizens had an unprecedented chance to learn about the inner workings of the nation’s highest court thanks to the live broadcast of Supreme Court of Pakistan proceedings. Viewers had the opportunity to see the arguments made by attorneys, the inquiries made by the judges, and the discussions that resulted in the verdicts.
During the live broadcast, a variety of cases were heard, including both civil and criminal cases as well as constitutional issues. The variety of cases brought before the Supreme Court was highlighted by this diversity, which also demonstrated the court’s function in interpreting and upholding the law.
Citizen Engagement and Accountability
The live broadcast of Supreme Court proceedings provided citizens with an unprecedented opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the nation’s highest court. Viewers had the chance to see the legal representatives’ arguments, the judges’ inquiries, and the discussions that led to the verdicts.
Various cases, including both civil and criminal cases as well as constitutional disputes, were heard during the live broadcast. This diversity highlighted the range of cases heard by the Supreme Court and illustrated the role it plays in interpreting and upholding the law.
The Road Ahead – Challenges and Opportunities
Although the Supreme Court’s decision to stream its proceedings live is a significant step towards greater transparency, there are some issues that need to be resolved. The protection of witnesses, especially in delicate cases, is one of the main worries. For the purpose of preventing witness intimidation or harassment, careful measures must be taken.
There is also the potential effect on how legal proceedings will proceed. When lawyers are aware that their arguments are being observed by the public, they may need to modify their strategies and arguments. It will be difficult to strike a balance between the need for transparency and the right to a fair trial.
However, these challenges should not deter us from the path of judicial reform and transparency. With careful planning, the judiciary can navigate these issues successfully and ensure that the benefits of openness far outweigh any risks.