CJ LHC Justice Alia Neelum stresses judicial accountability, public trust

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Justice Alia Neelum has stressed that judges must decide cases according to law

LAHORE:  Lahore High Court Chief Justice Justice Alia Neelum has stressed that judges must decide cases according to law and their judicial conscience, saying those who make wrong decisions remain accountable before Allah Almighty.

She expressed these views while addressing a ceremony at the Punjab Judicial Academy, where she highlighted the importance of judicial integrity, accountability and public confidence in the justice system, according to sources familiar with the proceedings.

Justice Alia Neelum said judges hold a unique public office because their decisions directly affect the rights and lives of citizens. She emphasised that the authority entrusted to a judge must be exercised strictly according to law, without fear, favour or external pressure.

“This is the only office whose wrong use cannot be done. A judge must decide according to law and conscience. Judges who make wrong decisions are answerable before Allah,” she said, according to sources present at the ceremony.

The Chief Justice also called for greater public confidence in the Punjab judiciary, saying citizens should believe that the courts are working to provide justice in accordance with legal principles.

“Everyone should have confidence that Punjab Judiciary is doing good work. We are working to ensure speedy and inexpensive justice,” she said.

Reflecting on her own judicial experience, Justice Alia Neelum said a judge must have inner satisfaction that every decision has been made honestly and according to the law. She stressed that judicial conscience should remain central to decision-making and that judges must remain conscious of the responsibility attached to their office.

According to sources, the Chief Justice also underlined the importance of maintaining the credibility of the judiciary through transparent and impartial decisions. She observed that an incorrect judicial decision can have consequences extending beyond the individual parties involved and can affect public trust in the wider justice system.

“A wrong judgment affects not one person but the entire system. That is why we say this office cannot be misused,” she remarked, according to sources.

Justice Alia Neelum also highlighted the importance of strengthening judicial capacity through professional training. She said newly appointed judges should receive guidance not only in legal matters but also in judicial ethics, conduct, judgment writing and case management.

The Punjab Judicial Academy, she noted, has an important role in preparing judges to handle their responsibilities effectively and professionally. Regular training and capacity-building programmes can help judges improve the quality and efficiency of judicial proceedings.

She further emphasised that judges should decide cases independently and without being influenced by fear, favour or pressure. Judicial independence, she said, must be accompanied by accountability and adherence to the law.

The ceremony was attended by members of the district judiciary, Punjab Judicial Academy faculty and senior officials of the Lahore High Court.

The Chief Justice’s remarks focused on strengthening judicial standards, improving the efficiency of courts and maintaining public confidence through decisions based on law, fairness and judicial responsibility.