Judges are not here to dictate governments, remarks SC judge

Justice Jamal Mandokhel of the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday said that gone were the days when courts used to dictate governments, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

During the hearing of a case related to the protection of minorities, the judge said, “We are not here to run governments.”

A five-member bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the case.

Speaking on the occasion, a minority leader said that key suspects in the Jarranwala church torching case were still at large. 

His lawyer Faisal Siddiqui said those who had been nominated in the case had been granted bails. “Furthermore, the case has not been properly investigated.” 

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan remarked that if the suspects had been granted bails, then there were relevant forums, which could be approached for the cancellation of these bails.  

Justice Mandokhel said the court could not intervene while the trial was underway. 

Speaking on the occasion, the additional advocate general, Punjab said the government had been dragged into the case so that it could grab the world’s attention.

Justice Mandokhel said that only a few days ago, Jaffar Express tragedy took place. “If some people are involved in such kind of incidents, it does not mean the entire state is to blame,” he added.

The court adjourned the case’s hearing for five weeks.

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori