Islamabad High Court bars FIR mention in character certificates after acquittal
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that police cannot mention an FIR in the character certificate of a citizen who has been acquitted in the case, declaring any such certificate unlawful and invalid. Justice Ayyaz Shaukat, while deciding a public interest petition, directed the Inspector General of Police, Islamabad, to establish a formal mechanism to ensure that references to…
In a significant decision, the Islamabad High Court has barred police from mentioning FIRs in character certificates of individuals who have been acquitted. Justice Ayyaz Shaukat ruled that such certificates are unlawful and invalid, emphasizing that citizens should not be compelled to seek legal redress for rights already safeguarded by law.
The court held that following an acquittal, portraying an individual as an accused or criminal through a police-issued character certificate is unlawful and violates constitutional rights, including dignity and freedom of movement. Allowing such mentions undermines the character of individuals and their ability to travel abroad.
The court further directed the Inspector General of Police to establish a formal mechanism to prevent references to criminal cases ending in acquittal from appearing in character certificates. Additionally, the court rejected the police's description of the petitioner as "discharged," as it undermined the legal effect of acquittal.
The decision upholds Articles 4, 9, 14, and 15 of the Constitution, affirming citizens' rights, liberty, dignity, and freedom of movement. The Islamabad police chief has been instructed to introduce a proper procedure to ensure acquitted citizens do not face adverse consequences through character certificates suggesting involvement in criminal proceedings.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
