Rizwan vs NCCIA: LHC directs agency not to 'harass' cricketer, orders batsman to cooperate in inquiry
LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has restrained the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) from causing any “harassment” to cricketer Mohammad Rizwan in connection with an inquiry initiated against him, it emerged on Monday. She has also instructed the wicketkeeper-batsman to join and cooperate in the inquiry proceedings. The instructions were stated in a written…
In a significant legal development, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has issued a restraining order against the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to refrain from harassing cricketer Mohammad Rizwan in connection with an ongoing inquiry. The court has also instructed Rizwan to cooperate and participate in the inquiry proceedings.
The decision came after a hearing on September 17, where Justice Neelum dismissed Rizwan's plea and directed his lawyer to submit a written response to the NCCIA notice first. The court emphasized that the inquiry was aimed at uncovering and eradicating corruption in sport, and could not be interfered with at this stage. The NCCIA inquiry was launched following allegations of electronic fraud under Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, originating from information gathered through cyber patrolling connected to Rizwan.
The court rejected the argument that the matter should have been reported to the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) instead, as Section 1.11 of the ICC's code establishes disciplinary rules but does not undermine the application of applicable laws. The court also noted that Rizwan is free to pursue appropriate legal remedies if he has any grievances regarding the outcome of the inquiry.
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