CJP Gulzar says court judgments shouldn't be a source of resentment and disagreement

Lahore: Court judgments shouldn't be a source of resentment and disagreement, Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed said on Saturday.

"The country's courts are and will remain autonomous, and will make decisions freely, he vowed during his address at a ceremony in Lahore. 

Justice Ahmed remarked that a lawyer is considered the custodian of the law and must know the proper decorum for when they appear in court.

He said it appears lawyers have "stopped studying".

The chief justice said it is the job of the lawyer to assist the judge and the lawyer must know how to conduct himself with the judge, the petitioner, and other lawyers.

Justice Ahmed said attorneys and judges cannot and should not be rivals. Lawyers have done the real work of protecting the legal environment; they should not be enraged with one another, he said.

"Tensions between judges and lawyers are baffling," he remarked.

In addition, Justice Ahmed stated that it is incorrect to refer to any of the judiciary's rulings as a "trend," as the judiciary has no leanings. 

The CJ said courts make choices based on facts, adding "we will encourage criticism of court rulings".

Parliament has adopted legislation governing the appointment of judges, whereby a five-member bench oversees the process, the chief justice noted.

According to the CJ, the entire process involves the input of lawyers and opinion of other stakeholders.