LHC calls for legal cover for police surveillance apps

Judge questions conduct in cross-province absconder arrest

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has urged the Punjab government and other concerned authorities, including the inspector general of police (IGP), to take immediate and concrete steps to provide legal cover for the digital applications currently being used by law enforcement to apprehend absconders and suspects.

Justice Muhammad Waheed Khan made these observations during the hearing of a case involving the arrest of an accused in Lahore declared an absconder in a case registered with Karachi police through digital surveillance applications such as the E-Police App, Travel Eye App, Hotel Eye App, and E-Gadget App.

While acknowledging the effectiveness of these technological tools in tracing and arresting individuals involved in criminal cases across the country, Justice Khan noted the absence of any statutory backing that governs their use.

He remarked that, aside from a standing order issued by the IGP Punjab in December 2020, there exists no legislation, subordinate rules, or official directives that legalise or regulate the operation of these apps.

Justice Khan emphasised the significant role these applications play in improving the efficiency of criminal investigations and ensuring timely arrests, noting that they directly contribute to the prompt administration of justice. However, he stated that the absence of a legal framework undermines the legitimacy and sustainability of these digital initiatives.

In light of this, the judge directed the Registrar of the Lahore High Court to bring the matter to the attention of the relevant legislative bodies to consider the formulation of appropriate laws or rules.