Catholic bishops have urged the Judiciary to eliminate inefficiencies such as missing files and delayed judgements in the dispensation of justice.
The bishops made the call when a high-level delegation led by Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda paid a historic visit to the church leaders during the second annual plenary of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), the bishop’s umbrella body.
ECM Secretary General Father Valeriano Mtseka confirmed the development in an interview with The Daily Times.
“Bishops have a plenary twice a year. As such, during this year’s plenary, we invited the Chief Justice to explain some important issues happening in the Judiciary.
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“The bishops praised the Judiciary’s high standards and independence and pledged their support while also urging the elimination of inefficiencies like missing files and delayed judgements,” Mtseka said.
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In a presentation on the Judiciary’s strategic plan covering 2019 to 2024, Mzikamanda said they aim to achieve the constitutional mandate of interpreting, protecting and enforcing laws in an independent and impartial manner, focusing solely on legally relevant facts and the prescriptions of the law.
“The thematic areas include strengthened service delivery, an adequately resourced and fiscally responsible Judiciary, increased public confidence and a strengthened institutional framework and capacity,” the Chief Justice said.
He also informed the bishops about several legislative reforms, including bills initiated by the Judiciary Rules and Reforms Committee such as the Constitution, Courts and Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code.
The Chief Justice added that the Judiciary has also created the Judiciary Service Charter and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy, implemented a Performance Appraisal System and operationalised a Functional Review.
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He also revealed challenges the judicial arm of government faces, including inconsistent and inadequate funding, delays in payments processing by the Accountant General’s office and capacity gaps due to recruitment funding shortages.
The bishops applauded the Judiciary for what they called high standards and independence, which have “earned it regional and international respect”.
During the meeting, the Chief Justice also extended condolences to the bishops and the Catholic Church in Malawi for the loss of their member, Vice President Saulos Chilima.
Besides the Chief Justice, the Judiciary delegation included Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, Justice of Appeal Ivy Kamanga and Registrar of the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal Kondwani Banda.
