ISLAMABAD, Aug 15: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said on Wednesday he would go to any extent to uphold the Constitution and law and to protect fundamental rights of citizens.

“No institution, no office no matter how high it may be is above the law and the Constitution,” the chief justice said, adding that the judiciary would keep on dispensing justice, come what may.

“Let the heavens fall,” the chief justice said while addressing an Iftar reception hosted in honour of Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan who is retiring from the Supreme Court after attaining the age of superannuation on Thursday.

The reception was organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).

“Being an important pillar (of the democratic set-up), it is the prime responsibility of the judiciary to ensure that the fundamental right of the common man is not violated, which in the performance of its duty and functions has always sought assistance and guidance from the laws and the Constitution,” the chief justice said.

He also exhorted the courts to play their role and uphold the constitutional and fundamental rights of the common citizen at all cost.

“No outside factors or personalities can come in the way of the judiciary which will continue to dispense justice without fear or favour.”

On the occasion, SCBA president Yasin Azad said the legal fraternity would stand behind the judiciary if any attempt was made to subdue it.

He said the judiciary and the parliament should work jointly for the betterment of the country.