Punjab Police Cannot Reject Applicants Solely Over FIRs, Constitutional Court Rules
The Federal Constitutional Court has ruled that the Punjab Police cannot deny recruitment to candidates solely because they have a previous or pending First Information Report (FIR). The judgment emphasizes that every case must be assessed individually and in accordance with the law.
In a detailed six-page verdict authored by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, the court upheld a Lahore High Court decision, stating that recruitment authorities must evaluate the facts and circumstances of each applicant rather than applying recruitment policies automatically.
The court acknowledged that government departments, particularly disciplined institutions such as the police, have the authority to assess a candidate’s background, character, and overall suitability. However, it stressed that this authority must be exercised fairly, reasonably, and within constitutional limits.
According to the ruling, rejecting an applicant solely because an FIR was registered against them—without considering whether they were later acquitted or the specific facts of the case—does not reflect a proper exercise of discretion.
The judgment further stated that the registration of an FIR alone cannot be treated as a permanent or automatic disqualification, especially when a competent court has cleared the individual of the allegations.
The court also clarified that administrative policies and executive instructions may regulate recruitment procedures and background verification, but they cannot override the legal effect of a judicial decision. Once a court has acquitted a candidate, recruitment authorities cannot continue to treat the allegations as established facts.
At the same time, the court noted that an acquittal does not guarantee appointment to the Punjab Police. Recruitment authorities still have the discretion to determine whether a candidate possesses the required character, integrity, and overall suitability for service in a disciplined law enforcement organization.
The ruling reinforces the principle that recruitment decisions should be based on a fair and lawful assessment of each candidate rather than solely on the existence of a previous or pending FIR.
