Black Coat is a symbol of dignity and honour for the legal fraternity:Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik

Lahore: Mr. Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik, Senior Judge of Lahore High Court has said that Black Coat is a symbol of dignity and honour for the legal fraternity. “I am proud of being an advocate rather than a judge and the name plate of an advocate at the gate of my house bears testimony to this fact”, the Hon’ble Justice said this while addressing to the general house meeting of Lahore Bar Association (LBA) at Awan-e-Adal, today.

Hon’ble Justice said a man in this world feels complete solace in the lap of his mother and Lahore Bar is his mother Bar. His lordship said that his present status owes to this Bar. Hon’ble Judge elaborated that Bar and Bench can never be hostile to each other. Rather both are inseparable and the Court remains non-functional in the absence of one of them. He advised the judges to reciprocate the affection and respect extended to them by the lawyers. He further advised the Judges to render impartial, free and fare judgments in line with the law and Constitution.

Referring to a news item published in today’s national dailies regarding remarks of the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Syed Kazim Raza Shamsi of this Court, he said, the Judge has called court reporters in his chamber and advised them to be careful in future regarding reporting Court proceedings. Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik further said that father and brother of that Hon’ble Judge are also members of LBA and the said Judge cannot think of uttering such remarks about lawyers community. Hon’ble Justice advised the young lawyers to excel in their profession by maintaining the valuable traditions of the Bar.

Earlier, Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik inspected the under construction Judicial Complex and directed the government functionaries to complete the task on time. He further said that there will be no compromise on the quality of construction and building material being used. He directed the District & Session Judge, Lahore, Mr. Tariq Iftikhar Ahmad to initiate steps for acquiring the three buildings in front of the complex in order to streamline the exit and entrance routes to the courts as well as fortifying the security measures. Elimination of the three buildings will also enhance the aesthetic beauty of the courts. Officials of buildings department informed that the complex is being raised at a cost of Rs. 700 million.

It will house 23 courts, a committee room and two parking floors accommodating about 400 vehicles at a time. Earlier LBA President, Ch. Ishtiaq Ahmad in his welcome address appreciated the efforts of Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik, the Inspection Judge of Lahore metropolitan courts and assured that lawyers will fully co-operate in the dispensation of justice to the litigant public. He also presented souvenir to his lordship. DSJ Lahore, Mr. Tariq Iftikhar also expressed his views on the occasion.