LHC Chief Justice Alia Neelum Expresses Concern Over 40% Deputation in Anti-Corruption – Says Deputation is Destroying Investigations

*Hearing on registering case despite being declared innocent in inquiry, CJ Alia Neelum says if deputation ends, department will fix itself; Rejects bail of Registry clerk and Registrar*

LAHORE : Lahore High Court Chief Justice Ms. Alia Neelum has expressed serious concern over appointment of 40% officers on deputation in the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab.

Hearing a case regarding registration of a criminal case despite being declared innocent in inquiry, Chief Justice Alia Neelum remarked, *”If the chain of deputation in Anti-Corruption ends, the department will be fixed.”*

Director General Anti-Corruption Establishment Sohail Zafar Chatha along with other officers appeared before the court.

*Chief Justice Remarks:*

Chief Justice Alia Neelum observed:

– “Officers coming on deputation destroy the investigation.”
– “If the path of deputation in Anti-Corruption is closed, the institution itself will be corrected.”
– “Despite having its own department of prosecutors, why are officers being taken from other institutions?”
– “Advertise permanent posts of prosecutors in Anti-Corruption.”
– “The tradition of taking temporary prosecutors from other departments should be ended.”

Chief Justice also remarked about revenue system, “People wander for registries, their registries are not approved,” and “Patwaris know such languages which you and I do not know.”

*DG Anti-Corruption Report:*

DG Anti-Corruption Sohail Zafar Chatha told the court:

– “Recommendations have been sent to bring inquiry and investigation into discipline.”
– “It has been recommended to fix 15 days period for disposal of inquiry.”
– “Investigation can be changed by DG Anti-Corruption on recommendation of Provincial Board.”
– “After change of investigation, it has been recommended to bind a senior officer to investigate.”

Chief Justice Alia Neelum appreciated inclusion of clause to end suo-moto action.

She questioned, “How registry was done without fulfilling legal responsibilities?”

*Court Order:*

Lahore High Court rejected bail applications of Registry Moharrar Taj Din and Registrar Mehboob.

Lahore High Court has sought record of pending applications and inquiries from DG Anti-Corruption. DG Anti-Corruption Sohail Zafar Chatha has submitted report.

Further hearing adjourned.