LHC stops case against Rana Sana, top cops

Local court had ordered police to proceed against Sana, police high-ups over alleged use of violence against lawyers

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) set aside on Thursday an order of the district court for registration of criminal case against Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and senior police officials for assaulting lawyers and restraining them from joining long march last month.

On a petition filed against the order issued by Additional District & Sessions Judge Mian Mudasar Umar Bodla, LHC Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar issued notices to the concerned quarters for their replies.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel contended that legal requirements were not fulfilled in the district court’s order, adding that judicial mind was also not applied, while passing the order.

Earlier, ASJ Judge Bodla had directed the Bhati Gate Police Station SHO to register a criminal case under section 154 CrPC and proceed in accordance with law against Sana, CCPO Lahore, DIG Operations, eight other police high-ups and 400 other unnamed officials.

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The ASJ judge’s order was passed on a petition filed by Haider Majeed. Majeed said in his petition that on May 25, around 400 lawyers, including female lawyers, had started their journey from Lahore to Islamabad for joining the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s long march.

He added that when they reached Data Darbar, heavy contingent of police intercepted their caravan and started thrashing them. He added that police also used tear gas which resulted in injuries to the lawyers.

After hearing the arguments, the judge said that a video of the occurrence was also played in the court. The judge said that it was not the lawful use of force but vandalism. Therefore, he said in his order, the petition was accepted.

The judge further said that the content of the petition submitted by the petitioner to the police for registration of criminal case attracted offences under section 155-C of Police Order 2002 and section 166(1), 352, 379 and 427 PPC 1960.