SHC issues arrest guidelines for police

Orders closure of torture cells; FIA allowed to probe custodial death case

HYDERABAD:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday laid down nine legally binding guidelines for police officers during arrests and detention, warning that non-compliance will invite contempt proceedings. The Hyderabad Circuit Bench, comprising Justice Adnan ul Karim Memon and Justice Riazat Ali Sahar, stressed that "the power to punish must remain with the judiciary, not with investigating authorities."

The directives came while dismissing a petition filed by Sub-Inspector Ghulam Shabbir Dalwani, the main accused in the custodial killing of schoolteacher Jam Aziz Jakhro. The court emphasized that torture cells operating in police stations "under the garb of investigation" must be shut down immediately and those responsible prosecuted.

The guidelines require police officers to wear badges and carry official identity cards during arrests. An arrest memo must record the time, date, and signatures of the detainee, a family member, or a local notable. Families or friends must be informed within 8 to 12 hours, even if they reside in another district. A detention diary must document arrests, officials involved, and persons notified.

The SHC further directed that detainees be allowed the presence of their lawyer during interrogation. The physical condition of the arrestee must be recorded at the time of arrest, with medical checkups conducted every 48 hours by an approved doctor. Police are also obligated to submit arrest documents to a magistrate and display custody details at the district police control room. "These measures safeguard detainees' rights and humane treatment in custody," the order stated.