Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs2,000 on a petitioner's lawyer for failing to produce essential documents in an Income Tax case, remarking that ‘we are old-fashioned judges, who will thoroughly examine the complete set of documents’.
Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa presiding over the case made it clear that the court expected complete compliance with the documentation requirements.
The lawyer representing the petitioner was penalized for his failure to provide necessary documents.
Chief Justice Isa questioned the counsel, inquiring whether a revenue officer had accompanied him to ensure proper documentation.
He emphasized that the Income Tax case could only proceed when an employee from the concerned department was present to facilitate the process.
"The court does not operate in isolation, and it is imperative that we receive the necessary support to carry out our proceedings effectively," stated Chief Justice Isa.
The Chief Justice further pointed out that the court often faces difficulties due to a lack of cooperation, and then individuals claim that the Supreme Court has issued a stay on cases worth crores of rupees.
In response to the situation, the court issued a notice to the Inland Revenue Department.
The lawyer, hence, assured the court, saying, "We will try to comply".
"You should try your best, but if there is no compliance, you will face the consequences. Do not act in a manner that suggests you have exemptions,” Chief Justice Isa sternly remarked.
When the lawyer requested a fine of Rs1,000, Chief Justice Isa expressed disappointment, stating, "This level of non-compliance was not expected from a senior lawyer like you".
Consequently, the court ordered a fine of Rs2,000 to be deposited into a charitable fund of the lawyer's choice.
The lawyer was further instructed to submit the receipt of the donation to the court as proof of payment.
