JEDDAH, 20 March — Minister of Justice Dr. Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al-Sheikh has told the Riyadh-based Al-Jazirah newspaper that judges have the right to come late to work whenever they wish, since they are not subject to normal working hours.
The minister’s statement came in response to a question by the daily based on a complaint that many judges arrive late at the office.
“Judges are the only exception to the rule, because they differ from other employees. The reason is that, according to the Shariah, judges should not pass any judgment if they feel the circumstances for doing so are not appropriate. The judge has a right to come late until he feels confident of his ability to work without being influenced by other matters,” he said.
The minister added that a judge knows God better than the general public. He must be extremely careful and cautious in doing his job in the right manner.
“When a judge feels himself ready in every way to work, you will see him in his office,” Al-Sheikh added.
