Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed on Saturday said that the judiciary has been freed from undue political influence through the cancellation of the 16th amendment to the constitution, which empowered parliament to impeach Supreme Court judges.
"We have restored and strengthened the Supreme Judicial Council following the disposal of the 16th Amendment review case in reinforcing the judiciary's independence from the legislative branch. This vital move effectively eliminates the provision for Parliament to impeach Supreme Court judges, ensuring that the judiciary remains free from undue political influence," the Chief Justice made the remarks while addressing a conference titled "Judicial Independence and Efficiency" organised jointly by the Supreme Court and the UNDP at a hotel in Dhaka.
In his written speech, the Chief Justice highlighted his vision of a judiciary that is accountable and ensures impartiality for every litigant, irrespective of their status or circumstances.
"This role is not just a position of leadership; it is a solemn trust entrusted by the people of this nation to uphold to uphold fairness, equity and ensure access to justice for all, irrespective of their status," the Chief Justice noted.
'I envision a judiciary that operates as a model of accountability, where every litigant, regardless of their status or circumstances, feels assured that their case will be heard and resolved impartially. I envision a judiciary that bridges the gap between the legal system and the people it serves, making justice more accessible through technology, legal aid, and procedural reforms,' he mentioned.
'Judicial independence must be complemented by efficiency. A justice system that is delayed or inaccessible is justice denied,' he added.
Quoting Lord Hewart's famous words, "Justice delayed is justice denied," the chief justice underscored the urgency of addressing case backlogs and procedural delays in Bangladesh, which, he warned, could undermine public trust in the judiciary.
"It is our duty to ensure that justice is swift without compromising its integrity," he said, adding that the judiciary must not only resolve disputes but also uphold principles of fairness, equality, and dignity.
He further described judicial independence and efficiency as the twin pillars sustaining justice, which he called the "lifeline for the vulnerable, a shield for the oppressed, and a symbol of hope for all."
"Independence ensures that justice is free from undue influence, while efficiency guarantees it is timely and accessible. Together, they form the foundation of a judiciary that is not only fair but also trusted by the people it serves," he added.
The chief justice called for the support of development partners to achieve these transformative initiatives.
'Developing partners like UNDP can play a pivotal role as a catalyst, facilitating capacity-building programs, technological advancements, and policy development tailored to the judiciary's unique needs,' he said.
The seminar started with the welcome address of resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh Stefan Lilier.
In his speech, Stefan said the roadmap for the judiciary initiated by the chief justice was a timely initiative to free the judiciary from political influence. UNDP was ready to provide expertise and the best practice guidelines in this regard, he added.
