PESHAWAR, June 5: An additional district and sessions judge here on Thursday summoned the director-general, health services; superintendent, Peshawar Central Jail; and medical superintendent, police hospital, for not conducting medical examination of a juvenile offender.

The court, presided over by Shehbar Khan, directed the three officials to appear on June 12 and explain their position.

Accused Ziaullah, son of Hakeem Khan, was arrested on May 18, 2001, by the officials of Bhadabher police station. The police had claimed recovering 9kg of charas from his possession.

Ziaullah’s counsel contended that he was a juvenile and should be provided facilities in accordance with the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance, 2000.

The court observed that it would be ascertained whether the accused was a juvenile or not after his medical examination. The court during last various hearings issued directives to the medical superintendent of the police hospital to conduct his medical examination.

However, despite repeated orders, the examination was not conducted.

On Thursday the court took exception to the non- implementation of its orders, observing that the trial of the accused had been delayed due to the irresponsible attitude of the health department.

The bench issued a directive that the three officials should appear before the court on the next hearing.