LHC CJ opens alternate dispute resolution centre

LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah on Tuesday opened first Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre in the city.

Speaking at a post-inauguration ceremony at Punjab Judicial Academy, Chief Justice Shah said ADR system would be a game changer for the judicial system.

He said all stakeholders had to work fast to keep the ADR system functional to make it a success story.

On the occasion, the chief justice said ‘strike culture’ must be curbed as it already had damaged the smooth functioning of the judicial system. He said ADR or any other modern system could not thrive in the existence of ‘strike culture.’

He pointed out that from Sept 1, 2016 to Feb 28, 2017, lawyers observed 1,474 strikes in 36 districts of Punjab, which badly hampered functioning of courts. The chief justice said it was a collective responsibility of all stakeholders to eliminate the strike culture. He said actions were being taken against judicial officers having bad reputation. He hoped that the bar association would also take action against non-professional lawyers.

Other judges and representatives from international organisations were also present at the ceremony.

Source: Dawn