Safeguarding democracy judiciary’s constitutional duty: CJ

TANDO ADAM: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry Saturday said it is the lawful and constitutional responsibility of the judiciary to safeguard the democratic system any misuse.

“To fulfill its role, the judiciary enjoys backing of lawyers, civil society, media and, above all, the people,” the Chief Justice said while addressing a gathering of legal fraternity at the District Bar Association here.

He expressed pride over the fact that today’s judiciary is supportive of the democratic set up in the country.

“It is the judiciary’s lawful and constitutional duty to safeguard the democratic process from being destroyed through misuse by state elements for making personal gains,” he stressed.

He said in order to make effective the process of justice delivery, the judiciary has to play an important role that is based on rule of law.

Earlier, the CJ also addressed lawyers of Bar Association Matiari.

He said the Constitution has given vast powers to the higher judiciary under Articles 183 and 199 to analyze the steps of other state institutions.