ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday expressed its displeasure over the inability of the federal government to improve the environment of the sessions courts’ premises and sought inter-ministerial response on the construction of proper judicial complex and completion of the new IHC building.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah directed the federal government to submit the report by May 23.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Chaudhry Mohammad Akram that seeks proper and well-equipped courts for the lower judiciary of the federal capital.

The court on an earlier hearing had summoned a representative of the interior ministry for assistance in the case.

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Tariq Aleem appeared before the court on Monday.

The court heard his response and observed that it appeared that the federal government and the Islamabad administration had yet not appreciated the plight of the actual stakeholder of the district judiciary i.e. the general public, particularly the litigants and victims of crime.

The embarrassingly deplorable conditions in the district courts is a classic example of denial of the fundamental right of access to justice to the actual stakeholders and undermining the rule of law.

It manifests failure of the state in fulfilling its obligations under Article 37 of the Constitution.

It is reiterated that ensuring every citizen has access to an effective and affordable justice system is one of the most important fundamental right and constitutional obligation of the state.

The appalling conditions at the district courts speak volumes about the priority given by successive governments since 1980 to the litigants and their fundamental right of access to justice.

The court directed the government to inform this court on the next date of hearing regarding the timeframe for shifting the courts from the privately-owned commercial buildings to a purpose-built Judicial Complex.

The federal government is further directed to inform this court as to when the construction of the high court building will be completed so that construction of the Judicial Complex could be started in G-10.

The interior secretary is directed to submit a report before the next date fixed in consultation with the respective secretaries of housing and works, Planning Division, Finance Division and law, Capital Development Authority chairman and the Islamabad chief commissioner.

The office is directed to send copies of this order to the above mentioned officials through special messenger for compliance, the court order said. Further hearing of the case has been adjourned till May 23.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2019