LAHORE
Lahore High Court (LHC) has imposed ban on interviews of the accused persons in police stations. Justice Ali Zia Bajwa took up for hearing petition filed by Washal Shakir Friday. Advocate General Punjab Amjid Pervaiz, prosecutor general Punjab Syed Farhad Ali Shah, additional IG Special branch. DIG Security and officers from Kasur police appeared in the court.
During the hearing of the case advocate general Punjab Amjid Pervaiz filed the reply. Justice Ali Zia Bajwa inquired from advocate general Punjab is making the video of accused viral during custody correct.
Advocate General Punjab Amjid Pervaiz said law does not allow for making the videos of the accused during custody, broadcasting them and taking interview of the accused persons. Article 26 of the constitution talks of protection of the citizens. While Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz took stern notice of the matter before judicial proceedings. CM Punjab constituted a committee under Additional IG Special branch and the committee has finalized its proceedings.
During the hearing of the case additional IG special branch filed inquiry report in the court.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa said what are the results of your report.
Additional IG Special branch said SHO and two constables have been found at fault in all this matter.
The court inquired when video was made in the police station at the time of Kasur incident then was SHO present in the police station.
Additional IG Special Branch told the court yes he was present therein.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa remarked what there can be more debasement of the institution that SHO was among those who were throwing lights on mouth. I wonder he is roaming free. shaving the heads of the citizens cannot be allowed. It runs contrary to the law. The case of both the plaintiff and accused is spoiled due to releasing such videos premature. As per law the under custody accused cannot be presented before the media.
The court directed advocate general Punjab to supervise social media policy.
Prosecutor General Punjab Syed Farhad Ali Shah said prosecution suffers first due to such interviews and videos.
President court journalist association Muhammad Ishfaq was appointed amicus curiae of the court.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa said Muhammad Ishfaq come to rostrum and tell how the interviews of the accused are.
Muhammad Ishfaq said police arranges interviews of the accused. Most of such interviews are conducted by U-Tube channels. Mainstream media does not conduct such interview except some channels.
LHC imposed ban on interview of the accused in police stations.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa said if any SHO arranges such interview of accused with media in police station in future then the respective SP will be responsible. If head of any accused was shaved in any police station or the accused were humiliated then it will be written in portfolio of police officer that he has done what deed.
LHC sought social media policy again from police on April 25.
