HIGHER authorities have instructed the Justice Ministry to hold training courses for judges to enlighten them on human rights principles, according to a recent newspaper report. It is obvious that the absence of well-trained judges will negatively affect the judicial system of any country. The new move by the Justice Ministry emphasizes the fact that judge is the corner stone for the development of judiciary, which should reflect the country's futuristic vision. The court verdicts should not contradict the country's basic systems and regulations. In order to realize this vision, judges should be independent without being influenced by political and administrative agencies as well as ideological and intellectual groups. This is the basic concept of judicial independence. The judge in a court should not support any party to the case and the verdicts should not be influenced by intellectual and political ideologies, because he will lose his all important identity and quality of being impartial if he issues biased judgments. The legislative authorities may set out excellent laws and regulations but they will remain in paper as a marvelous piece of artwork as long as qualified judges fail to implement them and realize the vision of the country's leadership. Independence and neutrality of the judiciary is essential to establish justice. A judge should not show partiality and affinity toward any person or institution, irrespective of their status or capability. The Supreme Judiciary Council, being the watchdog of justice in the Kingdom, should ensure independence of the judiciary and its impartiality through strict monitoring and by punishing violators. Justice and its rightful implementation are more important than protecting the interests of any individual, whoever he or she may be. The sound basis of the judicial system in any country is the standard for the evaluation of that country's progress or backwardness. Saudi Arabia launched its Vision 2030 to realize a better future by achieving progress in all sectors, including the judiciary.
