ISLAMABAD, June 17: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Nazim Hussain Siddiqui has asked district and sessions judges to adopt a new vision, approach and renewed zeal, commitment and dedication in their most challenging and demanding judicial role.

He made these remarks while speaking to a delegation of newly-appointed additional district and sessions judges and participants of an eight-week pre-service training course here on Thursday.

The chief justice asked the members of the delegation to go through the files, listen to the other side and only then pass an order. About granting or withholding relief to litigants, he said the new judges of the subordinate judiciary should give relief by all means but only where it was due and where it did not cause harm to other party by hearing the two sides.

"The principle of audi alteram paltern is so important, so essential to the concept of justice that it must be kept in mind all the time," he observed. He said murder trials directly involved the question of life or death; therefore, the judges should be extremely careful in dealing with such cases.

"The framing of charge in a criminal case is very crucial and if it is framed properly, the decision of the case would not be difficult," he said, adding that a proper charge could only be framed if the judges studied cases properly.

He said while dealing with criminal cases, the judges would often be confronted with the question of bail. "Unless you come prepared with the case, you cannot appreciate the controversies in its true perspective," he maintained.

The judges should grant bail provided the law permits it after examining the facts in the light of the contentions raised before the judges. "One should seek guidance from seniors, the stalwarts in the profession of law and the judges who are known for their competence, integrity and respect," he observed.

He said a person who has chosen to be a judge must be alive to the high demands and expectations interwoven with and inherent in this institution. "It is not a bed of roses; it is a job which carries no pomp and show but at the same time is one of the most respectable professions," he said.

An honest judge enjoys greatest respect in society and doing justice is not a routine affair. Each day of a judge is an examination day - rather a day of judgment. He said administration of justice was an arduous task and by no means an easy assignment.

It calls for qualities of head and heart to fulfil the demands of the profession. It is now recognized throughout the judiciaries in the world that judges should participate in continuing education because this is, among others, an appropriate means to enhance efficiency and skill.