Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJ) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Monday said the Supreme Court would, without fear or favour, always work for the betterment and welfare of the people and never allow any transgression on the dignity of the citizens. Speaking during a full court reference over the death of former CJ Muhammad Afzal Zullah, the CJ said, “We have sworn to preserve, protect and defend the constitution. This court will always decide cases according to the dictates of law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. Being the torch-bearer, this court will never let down the dignity inherited from such a legend.”
Paying homage to Justice Zullah, who, he said, was a true depiction of the maxim “Let justice be done, though the heavens should fall”, the CJ said the decisions of the Supreme Court stood only on the affirmation of rule of law and constitutionalism. “The court is fully aware of its constitutional role that is to administer justice freely, fairly and impartially, cases are adjudicated on its own facts and disregard of consequences which may follow and irrespective of the status of the parties that appear before it.” He said Justice Zullah’s landmark judgments would always provide intellectual guidance to both members of the bench and the bar alike. “He (Justice Zullah) has been considered to be amongst the pioneers of public interest litigation in the country,” the CJ said.
