Joseph Colony case: Police failed in protecting citizens, says SC

Court announces interim order, summons detailed report of Badami Bagh incident and Gojra riots.


Web Desk March 11, 2013
Demonstrators burn furniture during a protest in the Badami Bagh area of Lahore March 9, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS

The Supreme Court announced its interim verdict in the suo motu case against the burning down of more than 150 Christian homes in Lahore, Express News reported on Monday.

The interim order stated that the police failed to protect the citizens and if their negligence is proved, action will be taken against them.

The incident would have not taken place if the police had made security arrangements, the order maintained adding that the police did not seem interested in the case.

The court summoned a detailed report of the Badami Bagh incident and the Gojra riots, and adjourned the hearing till Wednesday.

During the hearing, the bench asked the Inspector General Police (IG) of Punjab about who was responsible for the incident and what benefits were achieved by targeting the minorities.

The IG stated that a blasphemy case was reported on March 7 and an FIR was filed on March 8. The court asked why Joseph Colony was evacuated if an FIR had been filed and the suspect had been arrested.

The bench also inquired about intelligence received about the incident.

The IG also refuted reports that the houses were burnt down to grab land.

The apex court rejected the report submitted by the IG, maintaining that it did not mention the reasons behind the incident and the action taken against those responsible.

On March 9, a mob of over 3,000 people set ablaze more than 150 houses of Christians in the Joseph Colony over alleged blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by Sawan Masih, a 28-year-old Christian sanitation worker.

The apex court had taken suo motu notice of the incident and had summoned IG Punjab and advocate general Punjab.

COMMENTS (4)

cautious | 11 years ago | Reply

Once again the SC demonstrates it is the master of the obvious. Maybe they should spend some time correcting the judicial system of Pakistan which is one of the most corrupt/inept judiciaries on the planet.

Logic europe | 11 years ago | Reply

The slowest and most ineficient institution is the court system Apart a few political judgement there is nothing to show All his judgements implemented apart the ones that are impossible He made big issue of swiss letter ! Why not others And if no one listens to him rhen why not resign

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