Top judge Yahya Afridi says Supreme Court wants to schedule cases using AI, but system not ready yet
ISLAMABAD
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has said the dispensation of justice has to be made effective through technology and wrapping up cases speedily must remain our priority. He held Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used in justice system but we are not prepared for it immediately.
He was addressing a judicial conference at the opening of the new judicial year in Islamabad Monday. CJP said this is opportunity that we should have a look on our performance. He explained that this tradition of marking the new judicial year began in the 1970s and has been observed regularly since 2004. I felt necessity for reforms after assuming my office. We started reform on 5 principles. Digital case filing system was evolved. E-services have been started. Today I am announcing that we have got conducted our internal audit. There is no restriction on judges to go anywhere during leave. A procedure has been worked out regarding leave during judicial work.
He held the judges need not more protocol being in red zone. Additional security will be provided in view of any threat in Islamabad or outside red zone. All judges agreed on security related procedure.
He said every one talks of technology and artificial intelligence. 61000 files will be digitally scanned. The project will be completed within 6 months. Cases will be fixed through artificial intelligence. Use of artificial intelligence will start on when digital scanning project succeeds.
The CJP said SC is for all. All information will be provided in facilitation centre. Facilitation centre will become fully functional from October 01. Dispensation of justice has to be made effective through technology. Wrapping up the cases early is in our priorities. I have worked for supremacy of law always. He held rules cannot be made within a day. Proposal will be put before committee. We will move ahead what committee proposes. The petition seeking orders for early fixation of case remained lying in the room of chief justice all over the year.
I had 9 security vehicles with me. I said residence and court is in red zone. There is no need of such security. I have reduced number of my vehicles and I have kept only two vehicles.
CJP said he made clear the matter of leave of the judges in SC rules. No judge needs any permission during court holidays.
If a litigant does not have sources to hire lawyer, he will be provided free legal assistance. This facility will be available from magistrate to SC.
He pointed out 64 complaints against judges have been decided in Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). 72 Complaints have been given to members for opinion. 65 cases are left more. Meeting of SJC will be convened by the end of this month.
The lawyers filed 56000 applications for adjournment during the current year.
He said we are said we observe leave. Judges don’t avail leave for 3 months. There is duration of 3 months. Out of it they avail leave for one month only. The judges sit in registry during the remaining period. We are ready to hold hearing after noon. There will be however no adjournment after it.
