Federal govt to be asked to amend 150-year-old laws

Recommendation will be chalked out to re-write these laws

By Our Correspondent

July 19, 2024

National Assembly during a session in Islamabad. — APP/File

LAHORE: First the time in the history of Punjab, it has been decided to send recommendations to the Federation to amend 150 years old Code of Criminal Procedure (CRCP) 1898, Pakistan Penal Code (PPC, old Indian Panel) 1860 and Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) 1908 on new lines in accordance with the rights given in the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan.

Sources said that CRPC, PPC and CPC are most important laws which have great importance in connection with solving masses problems. Recommendation will be chalked out to re-write these laws.

The sources said that efforts were made to abolish the Cantonment Act 1924 but it was restored in shape of ordinance in 2002. In the same way, some laws were made in 1947 and were being upgraded with the passage of time. But there are problems in updating these laws.

The sources said that sometimes the gazette of 150 years old laws of British rule is not available and due to this, some times there is deviation from primary laws. The sources said that the Land Acquisition Act is of 1894 while Guardian and Ward Act is of 1890. They said that there is no issue of amending the laws and there should be revised documents in connection with these laws.

The sources said the British had made PPC and CRPC for an enslaved nation where there was no democracy. Whatever amendments are brought in the legislative intent of these laws will not be right. The sources said that new laws should be made under the demand of socio-economic system. They said that amendments cannot change the scope scheme of these laws. Legislation is a reflection of the public policy and cabinet makes public policy which becomes a law later on.

The sources said that there will be reduction in crime ratio in case of re-making of criminal law. The law was made concurrent under the 18th Amendment and in the light of it, the law of Federation gets superiority too. The sources said it is necessary to re-write the above-mentioned old laws according to the present Constitution of 1973.