ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Athar Minallah on Saturday linked increments and other privileges of the lower courts staff with the satisfaction of the litigants.

Justice Minallah along with inspection judge Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani on Saturday paid a snap visit to the district courts located at F-8 Markaz of Islamabad.

After the visit, he invited all the lower courts staff in Islamabad to the IHC and held an open meeting (Darbar) with them.

If litigants are unsatisfied, there would be no increment or upgradation of courts’ officials, Justice Athar Minallah tells officials

At the outset, Justice Minallah expressed dismay over what he observed in the sessions court and said he was still in shock over the miseries of the litigants.

He said the litigants were the reason for the jobs of judges and courts staff but, unfortunately, they were not being dealt with the honour and respect they deserved.

He then left the rostrum for the officials of lower courts and asked them to explain their problems so that he could address them.

Subsequently, several officials explained their issues and problems and suggested some solutions.

Justice Minallah in the concluding address declared that the courts were established to serve the litigants but those who were forced to file legal suits remained at the receiving end.

About the working environment of the judges of the subordinate judiciary, Justice Minallah said even female judges did not have proper office comprising basic facilities such as washroom.

He said he was cognizant to the fact that wages of courts employees were low but this must not be a pretext for taking bribe.

“Those who approach the courts are the downtrodden and it is an injustice if someone in a court seeks bribe from them.”

He termed it an irony that the privileged class preferred not to file legal suits in the district courts and approached the high court to get instant relief.

If the elites have no other options than to go to the district courts, the lower courts would have been equipped with proper facilities and provided with a congenial environment.

“And the prime minister may also have visited the lower courts to inspect the facilities,” Justice Minallah said, adding since the government was responsible to equip the district judiciary with the required facilities it must know the requirements.

“Our job is to administer justice and to introduce reforms for speedy and inexpensive justice.”

He urged the lower courts officials to treat the litigants with respect and honour like they used to show reverence for their parents and relatives.

“If the litigants remain unsatisfied, there would be no increment or upgradation of the courts officials” he warned.

Regarding the grievances of the courts officials, Justice Minallah announced that the IHC administration would establish tribunals where officials of the district courts and the Islamabad High Court (IHC) may file petitions seeking relief in service-related matters.

He said the high court would also return the administrative powers related to the lower courts to the district and sessions judges.

He said the word sweeper seemed to be derogatory; therefore, from now onward persons responsible for cleaning the court premises may be called cleaners.

Justice Minallah said he would address all the genuine problems being faced by the courts officials but in return he wants a result-oriented change in the behaviour and their dealing with the litigants.

The officials complained about low wages and improper facilities.

They also requested the chief justice to consider their entitlement for government accommodations.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2018