LHC CJ turns down SP’s apology

LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan on Tuesday turned down an unconditional verbal apology by SP Operations Sadar Hafeezur Rehman Bugti in a matter relating to police’s illegal occupation of a citizen’s land.

The other day, the chief justice had lashed out at the SP for misleading the court in the matter and also admonished Township SHO Akmal Khalid for visiting the petitioner at his residence apparently to harass him. On being summoned, DIG Legal Moin Masood appeared before the court and stated that the matter is not related to his office and he had no meeting with the SP. Earlier, the SP had told the court that the opinion of the DIG legal had been sought before the police’s visit to the petitioner’s residence.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Bugti tendered an unconditional apology before the court, however, Chief Justice Khan turned down the same and asked a provincial law officer as to what action could be taken against the police officer for lying before the court. The law officer said the SP could be punished for three-month imprisonment following a summary trial.

The chief justice Khan observed that the SP would not be able to serve the department if convicted even till rising of the court. The chief justice adjourned the hearing till Wednesday (today) and warned the SP of strict punishment under the law. He also directed the SHO to record the statement of the petitioner.