Provision of suitable place for courts state’s responsibility: Justice Athar Minallah

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday conducted proceedings of a case pertaining to  separate buildings of East and West Session Courts.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the case, whereas the Islamabad chief commissioner and inspector general of police (IGP) appeared before the court.

Counsel for the petitioner, advocate Choudhry Akram, said that the East and West courts as well as courts for women and children should be separated.

Justice Athar Minallah replied that it was the state’s responsibility to provide a suitable place for the courts and added there was no place for female judges in lower courts.

He said that the courts were working in old and dilapidated buildings where no special security arrangements were available.

The Islamabad chief commissioner said that lower courts were facing a lot of problems.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked that a model Judicial Complex in Islamabad was need of the hour, adding that the non provision of proper buildings to lower courts was the state’s failure since 1980.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah then ordered the formulation of a committee for recommendations to cabinet division for effective steps to ensure improved functioning of lower courts.

The hearing was adjourned till March 12.