LHC CJ fumes over flawed police investigation system

Lahore High Court has expressed dissatisfaction over flawed investigations remarking police negligence led to significant rise in number of cases pending in courts, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday. 

Punjab IG Police Abdul Karim admitted shortcomings in the police investigation system.

The court sought a report from the IG regarding pending challans and cases under investigation across Punjab.

Court asked Punjab Police to present a procedure for case disposal at the next hearing.

High Court Chief Justice Alia Neelum heard the post-arrest bail plea of ​​murder accused Muhammad Saim.

Punjab IG Rao Abdul Karim appeared in court following the court’s order.

DIG Investigation Zeeshan Raza and other officers also appeared in court.

The court ordered Punjab IG to look into this matter.

“The issue is that our IT system displays the record of pending cases,” noted Chief Justice Aalia Neelum

Chief Justice observed that the system reveals the stage of a case how many witness statements have been recorded and how many remain.

“In this case, the accused are being arrested one by one,” remarked Chief Justice Aalia Neelum.

Chief Justice remarked that police officers are adding to the burden on the courts.

“When were the accused arrested?” “Why didn’t the police apprehend them?” Chief Justice inquired.

Chief Justice remarked that the burden on the court system has increased due to police incompetence.

“The police provide protection to the accused; I will not condone this.” Chief Justice observed.

Chief Justice inquired that what mechanism have police devised to put an end to these practices?

“How many witnesses remain in this case?” Chief Justice inquired.

Public Prosecutor submitted that statements of three witnesses are yet to be recorded.

“Where were the accused arrested from?” Chief Justice Aalia Neelum inquired.

It is a case from 2020; two or three accused were arrested after two years and the challan for this case is still pending, IG Police stated.

Chief Justice Alia Neelm directed IG police to propose a mechanism to resolve pending investigation matters.

“We will identify all cases where investigations remain pending,” assured the IG Police.

“Collect data on pending challans from across Punjab,” ordered Chief Justice Aaliya Neelum.

Chief Justice instructed to obtain details from CPOs, DPOs, and other officials.

“Challans have been submitted in many instances where the investigation was not even complete,” noted Chief Justice Aaliya Neelum.

“What is to be done about the remaining accused in this case?” asked Chief Justice Aaliya Neelum.

IG police requested that a fifteen-day grace period should be granted for this.

The court granted time to complete the investigation and produce witnesses in the case.

The court adjourned the hearing on the bail plea of ​​the accused in the double murder case until October 19.