ISLAMABAD, April 19: The Acting Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr Justice Rana Bhagwandas, has made it clear that there is no pressure on him in connection with the presidential reference filed against Chief Justice Mr Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.

Talking to newsmen here on Thursday, the acting chief justice said he could not give a time-frame for the conclusion of the inquiry into allegations contained in the reference.

"Let the Supreme Judicial Council meet all constitutional requirements," he said.

Justice Bhagwandas, who on his return from New Delhi had indicated that the people would soon hear a good news, said: "The people will hear a good news if the situation remains favourable".

Meanwhile, talking to a 60-member delegation of the 86th National Management Course here, he said suo motu action was taken by the Supreme Court under Article 184 (3) of the Constitution when there was a matter of public importance and, secondly, if there was a violation of any fundamental right.

According to a press release issued by the Supreme Court, he said the suo motu notice was taken only for expediting the process of granting relief to the aggrieved person.

He said the officers associated with criminal investigations could play an important role in the investigation and progress of a case and in collecting reliable incriminating evidence in cases.

High officials could play an effective role by monitoring the process to make it impartial and fair, he said, adding that these officials should assist the aggrieved persons in provision of justice and relief.

Answering various questions posed by members of the delegation, he said the backlog of cases was caused by many reasons, including the lack of awareness among the masses, false and frivolous litigation, rise in population, vacant positions of judicial officers and lack of training for judicial officers.

Justice Bhagwandas, while welcoming participants of the National Management Course, praised their role and contribution as members of the executive organ of the state, which was the ultimate policy-making body for the smooth running of affairs of the country and welfare of the masses.

The delegation, which included 10 faculty and staff members of the National Management College, Lahore, was led by the Principal of the college, Lt-Gen (retd) Javed Hasan.

Senior civil officers from various groups are participating in the 86th national management course and visiting various important civil and public establishments and organisations engaged in policy formulation and decision-making at provincial and national levels.