SC orders immediate registration of FIR in cognizable offence, directs action over undue delay

Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed immediate registration of FIR case immediately upon receiving information about a cognizable offence, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday. 

Supreme Court observed that action may be taken against officials responsible for delays in registering such case. The seven-page verdict has been authored by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar. Trial court can take cognizance of a delay in registration of a case and initiate legal proceedings. 

According to the verdict, if documents prove a delay in registering the case, the matter may also be referred to the IG for departmental action. SC observed that delay in registering a case should not be viewed merely as an irregularity. 

Supreme Court directed Sindh Prosecutor General to submit details of murder cases from January 1, 2025, to date. Details must be provided regarding cases where registration was delayed by more than 24 hours. The Supreme Court announced its verdict dismissing the appeal of convict Ali Raza. Ali Raza was accused of a murder committed in Dadu in 2012. Despite being aware of the murder case, the police had registered the FIR with a delay. The trial court had sentenced the convict to life imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 rupees. The High Court had also upheld the sentence. 

Supreme Court ordered that details of cases, district wise, must be provided within two months. Supreme Court said from this day forward, contempt of court proceedings will be initiated against senior officers for failure to comply with orders regarding the Muhammad Bakhsh case. Supreme Court said action may be taken against the IG, SP (Investigation), and DPO for delays in the registration of cases. Supreme Court directed that a Sindhi translation of the Muhammad Bakhsh case proceedings be uploaded to the website.