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Judge cites over 100 long-delayed cases by FIA

KARACHI: The Senior Special Judge (Central) II Karachi has taken notice of inordinate delays in the finalisation of cases and FIRs by FIA.

In a letter to FIA Director, Karachi Zone, the Judge, Mohammed Afzal Khan, referred to a letter of Interior Division of October 1999 under which directions were issued to FIA for taking immediate action in case/FIR 05/96, but so far no interim charge sheet has been submitted in the court.

The Judge pointed out that FIA had already taken so many years in conducting enquiry/investigation and, surprisingly enough, they still filed adjournment applications under Section 344 Cr.P.C. for allowing them more time for investigation and that, too, without submitting interim charge sheet.

Not only this, he further pointed out, but about 100 FIRs, of which he attached the lists, were pending in the courts without any progress.

He said that many of the FIRs pertained to the years 1985, 1986 and 1987 and some of the cases seemed to be of serious nature. The Judge said that it was shocking to note that neither any charge sheet had so far been submitted nor the fate of 15 years old cases had been intimated to his court including the summaries of untraced cases.

He further pointed out that before registration of the FIRs, the enquiry reports should be sent to higher competent authorities who, after examining the findings of the enquiry Officer, accord necessary permission for registration of the FIRs, which implies that prima facie case is made out. Still nothing has been heard from FIA in 100 cases despite the lapse of long periods.

The Judge called for detailed report in respect of each and every FIR and said that in case of failure the court will be constrained to proceed further in accordance with law. APP