CJP Justice Saqib Nisar unveils his views over contempt of court

LAHORE – We have seldom tried people for contempt despite so much criticismagainst us, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar said whileaddressing a ceremony in Lahore on Saturday.In December last year, the CJP had asked those criticising the courts to”not malign the judiciary if the verdict is against them”, also clarifyingthat the judges were not taking “dictation” from anyone.

Justice Nisar on Saturday said that the current Supreme Court benchcomprises people who are truly independent and hold up to the higheststandards of integrity.

“Today, on this forum, I say that when I critically analyse my team, Inever find any flaw,” he said. “Yes, there can be a lack of knowledge onthis bench, and I would raise my hand and admit in front of you all that myknowledge is probably the least among my peers on the bench.”

“I believe that this team, once it starts working together, will be purerthan gold and provide exemplary justice.”

Speaking to his fellow judges, Justice Nisar told the story of LordDenning, a famous judge, and Mrs Stone.

“One day Mrs Stone threw a book at Lord Denning because she did not believethe judgement was fair. The book missed Lord Denning as he tilted his headand hit the wall behind him.

He smiled and calmly remarked, ‘I am sure this wasn’t pointed us.’ That isthe level of calm judges are expected to show,” Justice Nisar explained ashe concluded the story.

“If anyone believes that being an SC judge is a paid vacation, they shouldthink again. Every judge has the responsibility of providing justice to thepeople. We will have to answer in front of God for the work we do here,”Justice Nisar warned members of the SC bar while adding that he expects thehighest level of conduct from his bench.

“Being a judge is not about being able to pass whatever judgement onelikes. It is about providing justice by the book. And if any of you (thejudges present in the convention) cannot do that. retire, and do somethingelse,” Justice Nisar said, while adding that he was saying this more tohimself than to anyone else.