The phrase ‘Sacred (or holy) Cow’ denotes something that is considered, perhaps unreasonably, to be above and beyond questioning or criticism. English dictionaries still lack an expression to capture a situation wherein a holy cow insists on the reasonability of its immunity. Perhaps it’s time for Oxford and Webster to get with the trend as the list of holy cows in Pakistan is getting quite lengthy.
After military and religious authorities who thought themselves to be above criticism on various pretexts, the judiciary is also now claiming that its conduct is beyond question. In response to Parliament’ Public Accounts Committee (PAC)’ letter wherein the Supreme Court’s registrar was requested to forward the court’s audit report details, the registrar has advised that as per article-68 of the constitution, “No discussion shall take place in parliament with respect to the conduct of any Judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court in the discharge of his duties,” therefore, the audit report can’t be forwarded to the PAC. Incredulous, isn’t it? What does a judge’s conduct during the discharge of his (or her) duties have to do with the audit report?
By referring to constitutional clauses, the court’s registrar tried to make his response sound and reasonable. But doesn’t his logic and stand look hollow and unreasonable. Why an institution which receives its budget from the national exchequer can claim that its internal audit report, if one is available, is not for someone to look at. Such a claim will lead to only one conclusion – something fishy is going on. First, it was contempt charges against anybody who criticises them; now it is this against anybody who tries to hold them accountable. A few days back, the Capital Development Authority (CDA)’ Director General (DG) was jailed for a day for staring at the judge.
Interesting days ahead.
MASOOD KHAN
Saudi Arabia
