LHC unveils public service delivery reforms

LAHORE:In a landmark move, the Lahore High Court has unveiled a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at revolutionising public service delivery, enhancing judicial efficiency, and IT-based initiatives.

The reforms were announced on Wednesday during a meeting chaired by the Acting Chief Justice of Lahore High Court, Mr Justice Shujaat Ali Khan. All the District & Sessions Judges of the Punjab attended the meeting via a video link, while LHC Registrar Ch Abdul Rashid Abid, Director General District Judicial Abhar Gul Khan, Sessions Judge Human Resource Sajid Ali Awan, Judicial & Case Management DG Tanvir Akbar, District & Sessions Judge, Lahore, Syed Ali Imran, and others were also present.

The reforms were designed to improve the overall functioning of the judicial system, provide better facilities to lawyers and litigants, and ensure the welfare of judges, court staff, and the general public.

The Acting Chief Justice stressed upon the enhancement of public service delivery, and issued directions for the establishment of comfortable waiting areas and clean toilet facilities, with a special focus on vulnerable sections of society. QR-coded documents will be generated for easy access to judgments and orders, and an online complaint system will be integrated with the Lahore High Court’s Mobile Application, monitored through a dashboard.

The ‘Adlia Sahulat Centre’ will be established with an aim to provide one-window facilities for lawyers and litigants, including case filing, early hearing applications, copy of MLC & FIR, certified copies of judicial records, case tracking, and attestation of Wakalat-nama forms from jail. The Adlia Sahulat Centre shall be integrated with Khidmat Markaz of Police. The Price Control Magistrates will also be made more active, effective and efficient.

Moreover, to enhance judicial efficiency, the Provincial Criminal Justice Coordination Committee (PCJCC) will meet on quarterly basis, chaired by Chief Justice, to ensure effective coordination among stakeholders. The Police Station Record Management System (PSRMS) will be integrated with the Prosecution, Prison, and Case Management System. e-filing of petitions and digital comments from police will be implemented, and a dedicated portal for e-filing of 22 A & B petitions will be established.

The reforms also include various welfare and goodwill measures for judges, court staff, and lawyers. A committee comprising Sessions Judges, DC, DPO, DSP Legal, and ADCG will meet on monthly basis to address issues facing lawyers. Digital libraries will be established at Tehsil and District Bar levels.

Welfare and goodwill measures for judges and court staff include the implementation of Human Resource Management System (HRMS), health screening, vaccination, and timely promotions, facilitation for education/treatment of children with special abilities of High Court establishment and district judiciary staff through government health/educational institutions.

Several reforms on institutional betterment will be introduced and for the purpose courts will be uplifted to hear Gender-Based Violence and Overseas Pakistanis cases on a priority basis. Reactivation of courts dealing with cases to Overseas Pakistanis as they are special component of our population representing Pakistan in the International arena. Special modules for Judicial Officers on ADR and mediation will be prepared.

General training programmes for Civil Judges and Additional District & Sessions Judges on better judgment writing will be conducted. The Acting Chief Justice has also showed his great commitment to working towards a paperless environment and for the purpose effective steps will be taken. The Judicial Officers will be motivated and encouraged through certificates of appreciation and an elite panel of top performers, on the basis of one-year best performance, will be established comprising of Best Sessions Judge, best ASJ, SCJ & CJ. Similarly, foolproof security of the premises of High Court, District Court and residences of the Judicial Officers be assured, energy conservation measures by installation of Solar Technology be implemented and IT-based initiatives including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as per the guidelines issued by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Senior Puisne Judge of SCP, Mr Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, will be used for better supervision and disposal of cases. Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) centres will be established in districts.

Furthermore, Case Management System (CMS) and Record Management System (RMS) already functioning in the District Judicial will also be upgraded.