Justice delayed….: FIR registration cell set up to implement court orders

Cell at IGP office will monitor implementation of orders regarding FIR registration.

LAHORE: A cell has been set up at Inspector General of Punjab Police’s office to implement court orders regarding the registration of first information reports (FIRs), The Express Tribune has learnt.

“The decision was taken at a meeting held between Additional District and Sessions Judge Nazar Hussain and police officials,” an official, requesting anonymity, told The Express Tribune.

Lahore High Court (LHC) had earlier expressed dismay over the non-compliance of court orders regarding the registration of FIRs. The court had asked police officials to formulate a mechanism to implement court orders.

“Citizens file petitions in courts after SHOs refuse to lodge FIRs. The court orders in this regard are not implemented. Also, policemen do not submit replies to courts,” the official said.

“Now, an FIR registration cell has been set up at the IGP’s office. Sub Inspector Khalid Hameed will be its in charge. Two constables will assist him. They will be in contact with judges and prepare a diary on daily basis to keep record of petitions in which judges seek comments or issue directions for the registration of FIRs,” he said.

“All police stations will keep separate registers for petitions filed under 22A-22B and will dispatch the weekly diary to the FIR registration cell. The report will be submitted to the FIR cell after implementation of court orders within two days. The SHOs have been directed to submit their comments. After receiving the application for FIR, proceedings will be initiated under Sections 154 and 155 of CrPC and 157(2) of Pakistan Penal Code and Police Rules under sections 24/4.

Action will be taken against SHOs who do not comply,” the official said.

“Two forms have been provided. One, for intimation to the SHO concerned for submitting comments to the relevant court, the other about compliance of court orders. These will be sent to the CCPO in case the SHO does not comply with the court orders. Legal action will be taken against such an SHO under Police Order 2002,” the official said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2015.