SC takes suo motu notice over govt’s interference in criminal justice system

The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan has taken suo motu notice of the perceived interference of the government office-bearers in the criminal justice system of the country.

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Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial on Wednesday took a suo motu notice on the perceived apprehension of “persons in authority” undermining the criminal justice system.

The suo motu notice was taken on the recommendation of a Supreme Court judge and on the news of change in accountability laws. According to media reports, the government tried to influence the people and attempts were also being made to destroy evidence in various important cases. The suo motu notice hearing has been scheduled for May 19 (tomorrow) by issuing notices to all concerned agencies.

In a press release, the apex court said the CJP took the notice of perceived interference in the “independence of the prosecution branch in the performance of its powers and duties for the investigation and prosecution of pending criminal matters involving persons in authority in the government”.

The chief justice took notice of the perceived interference on the recommendations of a judge belonging to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the statement said.

The court, expressing worries, said that such perceived interferences may influence the prosecution of cases, tampering, disappearing of evidence in courts or in possession of prosecuting agencies, and transfer and postings of officers on key posts.

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“Such actions, along with media reports to modify accountability laws, are likely to undermine the functioning of the criminal justice system in the country and that tantamounts to violation of fundamental rights affecting the society as a whole and eroding the confidence of the people in the rule of law and constitutionalism in the country,” the statement said.

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