CJP rejects plea seeking adjournments in cases

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) on Tuesday rejected a plea, seeking adjournment in cases in the wake of outbreak of coronavirus, saying the court has to be available partially.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed when resumed hearing cases, President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Syed Qalbe Hassan came to rostrum and requested to adjourn cases due to the prevailing situation in the wake of coronavirus.

The chief justice however, observed that situation in Europe is worst but courts are functioning there. "We cannot close this institution" the chief justice remarked. The chief justice while rejecting the SCBA president plea observed that they should be present partially.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of Pakistan affirmed and reiterated that benches of the Supreme Court of Pakistan as well as the respective high courts would be available in the court premises to hear matters brought before them and pass appropriate orders as may be necessary.

According to a press release issued here on Tuesday by the Public Relations Department of the apex court, it was stated that various lawyers appeared before the benches on Tuesday where their cases were heard and appropriate orders passed. It was further informed that three benches of the apex court functioned/worked according to the reduced roster issued in light of the policy spelt out in the meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee held on 19.03.2020.

“All precautionary measures, including screening at all entry gates of Lawyers as well as the court staff have been put in place and implemented, including placement of hand sanitizers and wash basins at a number of places in the building. Non-essential staff, employees over 50 and female staff have been permitted to work from home”, the press release added.

It further stated that the general public has been advised to refrain from coming to the courts. Since their lawyers can approach the Supreme Court of Pakistan or other courts (as the case may be) after taking precautionary measures and following the precautionary protocols including screening put in place by the government as well as the Supreme Court of Pakistan and other courts.