LAST year, the widely televised trial of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard drew me into the realm of courtroom drama for the very first time. It was a spectacle that transcended borders and left a mark on my interest in judicial proceedings.
Now, as I tuned in with eager anticipation to witness Chief Justice (CJ) Qazi Faez Isa’s first session and the first-ever live broadcasting of the entire court session in the legal history of Pakistan, it was the second instance where I was completely interested in every unfolding moment Stepping into his role as CJ, Mr Isa wasted no time leaving a profound mark on the judiciary.
On his very first day in office as CJP, he commanded the live broadcasting where crucial petitions challenging the 2023 Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act were to be heard. This move, never seen before in Pakistan holds the potential to reshape the very foundations of our tainted judicial system. With the courtroom doors flung wide open to the public eye, the proceedings became a spectacle with the potential to inform and shape public perceptions of the judiciary.
On Monday, 18 September, the day the proceedings were held, judges and litigants engaged in impassioned debates, arguments of both sides unfolding on national television. What was even more interesting for a layman like myself with limited legal and constitutional knowledge was to witness the divergence of opinions among the top-order judges on the very important constitutional matter at hand. It was a sight never seen before and a sight that resonated with me for many reasons.
The potential impact of live telecasts on the transparency of justice delivery remains uncertain and would be a judgment too soon to be made. However, the presence of cameras in the courtroom, coupled with the sense of being under public scrutiny does expose judges to increased accountability.
With all said and done and a great mark on the first day, the fact remains that Qazi Faez Isa’s main challenge is and will be the restoration of the public’s confidence in the top judicial order. This confidence has been tarnished due to concerns about political influence, courtroom partisanship, and attention-grabbing decisions.
In recent years, the highest court order has been drawn into the nation’s intense power struggles, creating divisions among legal professionals. The 2023 Supreme Court – Practice and Procedure Act – is a case in point.
Ultimately, it is undeniable that the top court is currently controversial, and what the Qazi Faez era ultimately becomes will depend on his decisions and actions in the coming months. While it is a challenging time for the judiciary of this country, it is also a time that allows for effective reforms that may be remembered as landmarks for the decades to come.
—The writer is contributing for national press, based in Islamabad.
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