Right to a fair trial is one of the oldest human rights in human history. The principles of justice surrounding “fair trial” are applicable worldwide. Even Islam promotes these and requires these principles to be applied whenever someone faces a trial. Article 10-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 provides this basic right to each and every person in Pakistan facing a court trial.

Roughly speaking, there are two basic principles of natural justice which should be practiced in every case:

• No man should be a judge in his own cause. This means that the judge should be an unbiased person.
• No man should be condemned unheard. This means that every person facing a trial should have a right to defend himself either personally or through a lawyer.

Article 10-A ensures that every person, even if he is a foreigner, gets a fair trial. This right also applies to the actions of government servants who have to use their judgement to make a decision. They also need to be ‘fair’ and impartial. Like other fundamental rights, this right cannot be violated at all. If you feel like your right has been violated, you can approach the High Court which will make necessary orders to restore your rights.