The Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of three police constables from Dera Ghazi Khan, calling their actions a serious violation of citizens’ rights. The ruling highlights that illegal detention, torture, and arrests without proper legal process are criminal acts.
The court emphasized that human dignity and the privacy of the home cannot be infringed under any circumstances. “The violation of human dignity, the sanctity of the home, and fundamental constitutional rights is unacceptable,” the judgment stated. Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees personal freedom and protection against such abuses.
While police have the authority to arrest, the Supreme Court clarified that this power must be exercised following the Constitution and proper legal procedures. Any actions outside these boundaries constitute a violation of the law and are subject to serious consequences.
Case of illegal detention and torture
The dismissed constables had kept a man, Zaryab Khan, in illegal detention and subjected him to torture without lawful process. Zaryab later died due to the mistreatment, though the officials were acquitted of murder charges. The court noted that the current case concerns only their dismissal from service, not the criminal matter.
The Punjab Service Tribunal had already upheld the dismissal. The officials then appealed to the Supreme Court seeking reinstatement. A three-member bench led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, with Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhel and Naeem Akhtar Afghan, rejected the appeal. Justice Mandokhel authored the detailed verdict.
Police misconduct as corruption
The ruling stressed that arrest and torture without legal authority amount to criminal misconduct. Inhumane treatment by police is considered corruption. The court said the police are guardians of law and must protect citizens’ fundamental rights.
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The Supreme Court reaffirmed that protecting life, liberty, and dignity is the responsibility of the state. Any unauthorized action is a clear violation of the right to a fair and transparent trial, reinforcing accountability in law enforcement.
