KARACHI: A constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court has observed that primarily the police are a disciplined force, but their image has been tarnished because of instances of police personnel behaving in a ‘wayward manner’ by misusing their power.

It also noted that on numerous occasions, judges came across police personnel involved in heinous crimes and even if they were apprehended, the offending policemen were let off by courts, due to faulty or supportive investigation by their brethren, by extending them the benefit of the doubt.

The bench further said that that must stop and courts were also required to play their part and let such issue be decided by the executive/appointing authority which in all fairness was in a much better position to ascertain facts and the relevant ground realities.

A two-judge bench comprising Justice Karim Khan Agha and Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon also said that this factual position was also a cause of great concern these days in country as well.

The bench was hearing a petition filed against the police as a petitioner asserted that he was selected for the post of police constable in 2022 in Malir district, but the appointment letter was not issued as during the verification process he was found to be involved in a criminal case registered in 2020 although he had already been acquitted in the same matter.

The bench in its order said, “Primarily, the police force is a disciplined force; it shoulders the great responsibility of maintaining law and order and public order in the society; that people repose great faith and confidence in it; that it must be worthy of that confidence; that in recent times, the image of the police force is tarnished and instances of police personnel behaving in a wayward manner by misusing power are in public domain and are a matter of concern.”

While disposing of the petition, the court directed the inspector general of Sindh police to scrutinise the candidature of the petitioner afresh and if he was found unfit for police force, he could be adjusted on any ministerial post positively as he had been declared successful candidate and his candidature might be processed strictly under the recruitment rules within a month.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2024