Justice delayed, justice denied

Many appreciated Justice Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici's prompt answer an interesting query put recently by The Sunday Times to his ministry (published on June 29) about the number of pending magisterial inquiries. From the minister's reply the public got to know, much to their surprise too, that there are still over 2,000 inquiries pending. This surely is a huge number that speaks for itself!

No doubt, people feel it is their sacrosanct duty to respectfully solicit all those magistrates responsible for this stagnation to complete and finalise their inquiries. When those in authority set the good example, they inspire confidence in others. On the contrary, dragging one's feet is no option at all.

Malta's Constitution stresses "the right of the citizen to a fair trial and within reasonable times". But it does not mention anything on the important sector of magisterial inquiries.

However, the Constitution speaks clearly about a Commission for the Administration of Justice, whose duty it is to survey the smooth function of justice in the Maltese islands. At this point, one wonders if this commission could see to this gross stagnation which today has become an open concern to all citizens.

A few verses in poetry, which were so valid decades ago, are perhaps, more valid today: "When a tough job lies before you/get it done without delay/you won't finish it tomorrow/if you don't begin today!"