SC constitutionally bound to intervene if institutions cross limits: CJP

[Naveed Yaseen]

* Court respects, supports democratic institutions
* Country looking to judiciary to stop future abrogation of constitution
* New judges appointed on merit despite political pressure

By Masood Rehman

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Monday said the superior judiciary has been entrusted with the unique responsibility of ensuring that all state institutions function within their jurisdiction.

Addressing a ceremony held at the Supreme Court (SC) to mark the beginning of the judicial year 2009-10, he said the SC and high courts were bound to intervene in accordance with their constitutional powers to protect the rights of the people if any state institution crossed its limits.

Supports: He said the court respects and supports all democratic institutions and elected officials in the performance of their duties, which are necessary for good governance and the political development of the country.

The CJP said people were looking to the judiciary to take steps, which would close the door on any intruder trying to step in and abrogating the constitution.

Merit only: He regretted that constitutional consultees for the appointment of judges at the superior judiciary had been heavily pressurised. However, he said no one had succumbed to the pressure and the selection had been made purely on merit.

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