The Supreme Court of Pakistan has made an important ruling about how people should address police officers in official papers and complaints. The court said that old phrases that make police sound like rulers or masters must stop. Instead, language should reflect that police serve the public and respect citizens’ rights.
What the Ruling Says
The court focused on how police are referred to in written applications and reports. It decided that certain phrases are outdated and inappropriate in a modern, democratic system.
Key Points at a Glance
| Issue | Old Practice | New Rule |
|---|---|---|
| How to address an SHO | “Bakhidmat Janab SHO” (phrase implying serving the SHO) | Simply “Janab SHO” or just “SHO” |
| Term for someone filing an FIR | “Faryadi” (meaning petitioner or someone seeking mercy) | “Informant”; use “Complainant” only for private crime cases |
| Police attitude | Language suggesting citizen serves police | Language showing police serve citizens |
| Delay in FIR registration | Often accepted without strict consequences | Supreme Court warned delays risk losing evidence and can lead to legal action against officers |
This judgment was delivered by a bench led by Justice Hashim Kakar and written by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar. The court said that police must be seen and treated as public servants who are accountable to the people.
Why the Change Matters
The court explained that phrases like Bakhidmat Janab SHO and faryadi come from a colonial mindset. These terms suggest that citizens must beg for help, which goes against constitutional rights. The court said citizens should approach the police with confidence in their legal rights, not as dependent supplicants.
By banning these terms, the court wants to change how people think about policing. It sees language as an important part of treating people fairly and with dignity.
FAQs
1. What exactly is banned now?
The Supreme Court has banned using “Bakhidmat Janab SHO” and the word “faryadi” in police papers. These terms are seen as showing citizens in a weak, subservient position.
2. How should people address the SHO now?
People should simply use “Janab SHO” or “SHO” in applications and reports. This keeps the tone respectful without implying servitude.
3. What is the term for someone reporting a crime?
If someone files a First Information Report (FIR), they are now called an “informant”. The word “complainant” is only used for private criminal complaints.
4. Why did the court talk about FIR delays?
The judgment also warned police officers that unjustified delays in registering FIRs can lead to loss of evidence and possible legal consequences for the officers.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision is meant to modernize how police and citizens deal with each other. It removes old, colonial language that implied citizens were inferior and encouraged respect for people’s legal rights. By making these changes, the court aims to make police‑citizen interactions more respectful and rights‑focused. This move is part of broader efforts to improve the justice system and strengthen constitutional values in everyday life.
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Rana Shahriyar is a dedicated content writer and contributor at Info Portal. With a strong interest in social welfare programs and government initiatives, his work focuses on delivering clear, reliable, and easy to understand information for the public.