Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered Inspector Generals of Police and Prison to introduce a mechanism for verification of identity of criminals for speedy disposal of legal cases.
A single bench of SHC headed by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar issued guidelines in an order of bail petition of a criminal case. The court directed that this mechanism should be developed by using latest technologies with the active role of Nadra.
The court observed that this mechanism may not be developed without record of identity (CNIC number) of accused/criminal, therefore, IGP Sindh shall direct all investigation officers to ensure that CNIC numbers of accused persons are mentioned in the challan sheet.
The order maintained that prisons and law enforcement agencies are two institutions that can work to develop a mechanism for verification of identity of accused or criminals which subsequently can lead to legal disposal of all cases, if lodged or pending against a person.
Such mechanism should not be confined to districts but must have record across province at least, the order said. Referring to previous orders issued in this regard last month, court stated that IGP Sindh as well IG Prison were directed to maintain the record of criminals of province level but interim report is submitted by the IGP Sindh in this regard.
IGP Sindh was also directed to establish the mechanism about the accused persons having criminal history, however, such report has not yet been received, the court said and ordered to issue show cause notice to IGP Sindh as to why contempt proceedings shall not be initiated against him for not submitting the final report.
The order mentioned that Incharge Criminal Record Office (CRO) contended in the hearing that he has record of Karachi range only. Deputy Prosecutor General (DPG) told the court that as and when they call report with regard to CRO concerned branch CNIC numbers of accused persons are not mentioned whereas police reports also show that Investigation Officers also do not mention CNIC number of accused in challan sheet.
Incharge CRO also submitted that CNIC is very pertinent but in majority cases it is observed that Investigation Officers are not mentioning or taking efforts to collect the same.
The court ruled that the purpose of lodgment of an FIR (case crime) is not to record and entry of crime but to have the offence tried by a competent court of law so as to get question of 'determination of guilt or innocence' decided.
This cannot be achieved unless the accused is sent up or made to face the trial, the court stated and ruled that Investigation Officer must make effort to include identity (CNIC number) of accused in the challan sheet.
Comments
Comments are closed.