Lahore: Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered subordinate courts to write the statements of the witnesses in both Urdu and English.

Justice Tariq Nadeem remarked in an important decision notification of 1973 is there regarding use of Urdu language in the courts. Unfortunately it could not be implemented so far.

It has been said in the decision that statements of the witnesses are recorded only in English in subordinates courts in Punjab still. This creates hurdles in the dispensation of justice particularly when Urdu translation is made in the absence of the witness.

This decision was issued on appeal plea of Muhammad Irfan alias Pomi who was awarded death sentence in murder case of citizen Abdul Nasir.

The court converted the death sentence into life imprisonment after making detailed review of the evidence.

It was said in the decision contradiction came to open in the statements of eye witnesses who were present on the scene. This was possibly result of mistake in English typing.

Justice Tariq Nadeem wrote as per law the statements of the witnesses be written in their mother language. This process should be done in the presence of the accused or his representative.

In the light of medical reports, eye witnesses and other evidence the prosecution proved the case. However leniency was shown due to defect in translation.

The court ordered registrar LHC to send this decision to all session judges, special judges and ministry of law and justice.

All the judicial officers were directed to ensure that statements of the witnesses are written in Urdu along with English in their presence.

it is pertinent to mention here Supreme Court has already ordered to implement Urdu at government level. But it has not been implemented so far.