Criticise judgements, not judiciary, IHC CJ tells media

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Aamer Farooq on Monday said that the dynamics of court reporting has changed over the last few years, especially the social media had enabled the court reporters to cover a case in different ways.

Justice Farooq addressed the court reporters during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office bearers of the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA).

He said that media being a fourth-pillar of the state is portraying judiciary’s perception in the masses adding that the judiciary is not immune to criticism, the judgements are open to criticism but the judiciary as an institution and the personalities may not be dragged in controversies since it would erode public confidence in courts.

Justice Farooq pointed out that the media sometime erroneously report an event, for example the remarks of a judge are being quoted out of context and urged taking utmost care while reporting pending litigation.

Justice Farooq said that apparently current affairs anchorpersons are not well-versed with the legal provisions and procedures and instead of referring to the judgements, they also relied upon the remarks that they watched on TV screens in the tickers.

IHC chief justice said sometimes a judge in order to reach to the logical conclusion, poses questions to the parties in the litigation. However, the media even in such instances build stories, conduct programmes and create an impression that the court is about to hand down judgement in a particular way.

However, when the judge decides the case in accordance with law and not in accordance with the TV debates, the people criticise the judiciary of not administrating justice.

Earlier, Justice Farooq administered the oath to the IHCJA’s office bearers namely President Fiaz Mehmood, General Secretary Mohammad Imran, Senior Vice President Hussain Ahmed Chaudhry, Vice President Ambreen Ali, Finance Secretary Raja Shehzad, Information Secretary Farah Mahjabeen, Joint Secretary Adil Saeed Abbasi and the members of governing body.

Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri also accompanied the Chief Justice.

IHC registrar Tahir Sabir, Secretary to the Chief Justice Noor Muhammad Mirza, President Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) Naveed Malik, Additional Attorney General Barrister Munawar Iqbal Duggal and senior media persons attended the event.