ISLAMABAD, Feb 27: The Chief Justice on Wednesday observed that expeditious disposal of cases was only possible if the prosecution felt its responsibility and completed the investigation diligently and responsibly.

Chief Justice Shaikh Riaz Ahmad, head of the two-judge bench, issued notice to the Advocate-General of Punjab, the DSP and inspector of the Nankana police station to explain why a person who had been declared innocent in investigation, was kept behind bars for the last nine months.

Responsible investigation by the police was a prerequisite for speedy dispensation of justice, observed the CJ.

The CJ’s remarks were viewed as “important” by experts attending the court, especially at a time when the government is insisting on the appointment of army officers as judges of the anti-terrorism courts. The case will now be taken up on March 12.

Advocate Babar Awan contended that according to the requirement of the Criminal Procedure Code if somebody was sent to jail, the district and sessions judge was to be intimated in writing.

The counsel further stated that it was the duty of the district and sessions judge to ensure that the challan was completed in 17 days and case was initiated in a reasonable time.

The Chief Justice observed that it was an important point and the district and sessions judges must fulfil their responsibilities.

The counsel had stated that petitioner Anwar had been arrested in a murder case but during investigation it was established that he was innocent.

The investigation ended on July 25, 2001 when the investigation officer was suspended. No challan was submitted in the court till the filing of the petition in the Supreme Court.

Chaudhry Mohammad Arshad, representing the state, said that the file was incomplete.

The court observed that if the investigation officer was suspended it did not mean that the investigation had been closed.