ISLAMABAD: A full court reference was held here on Monday in the Supreme Court on the eve of retirement of Justice Maqbool Baqir.
The reference was attended by all the judges of the Supreme Court and large number of lawyers.
In his farewell speech at the full court reference, Justice Baqar, who is set to retire on Tuesday, said that the exclusion of certain judges from hearing sensitive cases on account of their independent and impartial views has an adverse effect on the impartiality of judges and added that the practice has also tarnished public’s perception about the independence of judiciary.
“Another vital aspect which, even though it pertains to the internal dynamics of the judiciary, has a very serious bearing on its independence, impartiality, and integrity is the issue of assignment of cases. The United Nations Special Repertoire on the independence of judges has urged for a fair and objective criterion for the assignment of cases which would protect judges from undue interference,” he added.
Addressing the reference, Attorney General Khalid Jawed Khan said: “Justice Maqbool Baqar has an excellent judicial career behind. It will be injustice if Justice Baqar’s role during the PCO period is not referred,” the AGP said.
“The dictator was not aware that he will be awarded punishment over breaking the constitution,” he said.
“Nowadays Article 6 is being conveniently referred for use against political opponents,” he said.
“The 2007 episode will have to be kept in mind for understanding Article 6,” the AGP added.
