Supreme Court Directs Police to Register FIRs Without Delay
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed police authorities to register First Information Reports (FIRs) promptly after receiving information about a cognizable offence.
The court warned that police officials responsible for unnecessary delays could face legal and departmental action.
The directions were issued in a seven-page judgment authored by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar while dismissing a jail petition filed by convict Ali Raza, who was involved in a 2012 murder case in Dadu.
Court Questions Delay in FIR Registration
According to the judgment, police were informed about the murder on the night it occurred, but the FIR was registered more than three days later.
The Supreme Court expressed concern that delayed FIR registration continues to occur in Sindh despite earlier directions issued by the court.
The court referred to its judgment in the Muhammad Bux case, which requires provincial police chiefs to ensure the prompt registration of FIRs when information about a cognizable offence reaches the officer in charge of a police station.
Delays Can Affect Evidence
The Supreme Court observed that unnecessary delays in registering FIRs can affect the investigation and may result in the loss or deterioration of evidence.
The court particularly highlighted the importance of preserving forensic evidence, noting that delays can ultimately affect the merits of criminal proceedings.
It directed trial courts to take notice when police fail to register an FIR despite having information about a cognizable offence.
Trial courts should determine the reason for the delay and take any action available under the law.
Departmental Action Against Responsible Officers
The court said cases involving delayed FIR registration could also be referred to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for departmental proceedings.
Where the legal requirements are fulfilled, proceedings under Section 201 of the Pakistan Penal Code may also be initiated.
The Supreme Court further warned that continued non-compliance with its Muhammad Bux judgment could result in contempt proceedings against senior police officers.
Report on Delayed Murder FIRs Ordered
The court directed the Prosecutor General of Sindh to provide district-wise data on murder cases registered from January 1, 2025, where FIR registration took more than 24 hours.
The required report must be submitted to the Supreme Court within two months.
Muhammad Bux Judgment to Be Translated
The Supreme Court also ordered that its Muhammad Bux judgment be translated into Sindhi and uploaded to the court’s official website to improve awareness and understanding of the directions.
The court also reiterated its position on terminology used in police proceedings.
It said the word “faryaadi” should not be used, noting that citizens approach law enforcement authorities as a matter of legal right rather than as a request for mercy.
Similarly, the court discouraged the use of the phrase “Bakhidmat Janaab SHO”, observing that police officers are responsible for serving citizens.
Jail Petition Dismissed
After examining the matter, the Supreme Court dismissed Ali Raza’s jail petition and refused leave to appeal.
The judgment reinforces the court’s earlier directions requiring timely FIR registration and places responsibility on police authorities to ensure that complaints involving cognizable offences are dealt with promptly.
