Federal Constitutional Court to hear police officers’ promotion review petitions on Tuesday

A two-member bench of the Federal Constitutional Court will hear review petitions on Tuesday filed by police officers challenging the cancellation of their promotions following a Supreme Court verdict.

The petitioners include DIG Akhtar Hayat Laleka, Umar Virk, Ijaz Shafi Dogar and SSP Karamat, among other officers.

The petitions seek a review of the Supreme Court’s May 13, 2018, verdict, which revoked promotions and protections granted to the officers through various court and tribunal rulings.

The affected officers include those recruited as inspectors in 1993, 1995 and 1998 who subsequently rose to the rank of superintendent of police (SP).

The petitioners argue that their promotions were not out-of-turn but were granted on merit and as a legal right under the applicable service rules.

They maintain that the promotion process did not violate service rules or merit requirements.

The petitions state that the affected officers were not given an opportunity to present their position before the Supreme Court delivered its verdict.

The officers also argue that final judgments issued by the Service Tribunal and High Court cannot be reversed at the administrative level.

According to the petitions, the Supreme Court’s May 13, 2018, decision violated their fundamental rights and the principles of natural justice.

The Punjab government, the inspector general of Punjab Police and others have been named as respondents.

The petitioners have requested the Federal Constitutional Court to review the Supreme Court’s decision and grant relief against the cancellation of their promotions.

According to sources, the officers could face demotion if they fail to obtain relief from the Federal Constitutional Court.