No evidence against Adiala Jail prisoners means no imprisonment: CJ

Chief justice says if imprisonment is proven illegal, action will be taken against the concerned officials.


Web Desk January 22, 2013
Chief justice remarks security agencies possess no evidence against the detainees. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: If there is no evidence, the Adiala Jail prisoners cannot be held captive even for a minute, said Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Tuesday.

While hearing the missing prisoners case, the chief justice said if the imprisonment is proven illegal, action will be taken against the concerned officials.

In November 2007, 11 men were detained for crimes not known. After spending several years in prison on mere suspicion, the Supreme Court ordered their release in May 2010. However, they disappeared from outside Adiala Jail the day they were set free.

The Supreme Court took up the matter, asking the agencies to present the men. In February 2012, the men, haggard-looking and barely able to stand or talk, appeared before the court. The counsel for the spy agencies claimed that the men were not picked up from outside Adiala Jail – rather they were detained from the war zone.

During today’s hearing, the chief justice remarked that the security agencies possess no proof against the detainees.

Raja Irshad, counsel for the intelligence agencies, argued that those arrested are imprisoned according to the law.

COMMENTS (11)

m omar | 11 years ago | Reply

Is Arslan Iftikhar in custody again?

Naushad Shafkat | 11 years ago | Reply

There is a perception that our Chief Justice is, more like a politician than a judge, publicity hungry. He cannot bear to remain out of the headlines even for a single day. This story about the 'Adiala jail prisoners' perhaps proves the point beyond a shadow of doubt. Why is the Chief Justice saying that 'no evidence means no imprisonment'? Is this something new or unheard of? And if there is no evidence then why does he not order the release of these prisoners immediately instead of making such hollow statements only to be in the headlines? After all these men have been in prison even after the Supreme Court ordered their release in 2010. After more than 2 years the Chief Justice is only threatening that the 'concerned officials' would be punished if no evidence was found against the detainees. Is he showing the way to the 'concerned officials' to manufacture evidence or else? For one the Chief Justice would be well advised not to threaten like a bully all and sundry who appear before him as this is damaging the morale of many officials who are 'acting' only because of the fear he instills in them. This is no justice! Secondly the Chief Justice should 'act' rather than merely make headline grabbing statements.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ