Lahore High Court Directs Punjab Police on Arrest Procedures

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has recently issued a significant directive to the Punjab Police, aiming to ensure that arrests are not made solely based on complainants' supplementary statements. This directive underscores the importance of gathering concrete evidence before taking any legal action. The decision was prompted by a case involving the Daska police, where allegations of unlawfully confining a woman were raised, leading to the formulation of guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future.

During the proceedings, Justice Asjad Javaid Ghural took a firm stance by ordering the suspension of two officers, SHO Daska Ikram Shehbaz and Sub-Inspector Syed Najamul Hassan, for their misuse of authority in an illegal abduction and house raid conducted without proper search warrants. The District Police Officer (DPO) was directed to initiate departmental proceedings against the suspended officers within a three-month timeframe.

Furthermore, Justice Ghural instructed the petitioner to formally lodge a complaint against the suspended officers with the DPO Sialkot to ensure that a case is registered under the relevant laws. The court also laid down seven guidelines for police officials to follow, emphasizing the protection of constitutional rights, transparency, and adherence to due process.

Emphasizing the fundamental right to liberty protected by the Constitution, Justice Ghural highlighted the necessity of disclosing sources of information in complainants' statements and the crucial role of collecting evidence before making any arrests. The court also stressed the importance of prosecutors in assessing the sufficiency of evidence for remand requests.

The Lahore High Court's directive to the Punjab Police serves as a crucial step towards ensuring that legal procedures are followed diligently and that individuals' rights are protected. By setting clear guidelines and holding accountable those who misuse their authority, the court has underscored the significance of upholding the rule of law and respecting constitutional rights in the administration of justice.