An accused in a cheque dishonour case surrendered to police after the Supreme Court questioned how he had reached the apex court without being arrested, even though the trial court and the Lahore High Court had both rejected his bail.
A bench headed by Justice Malik Shahzad was hearing the bail petition of an accused when it raised the matter with a Punjab Police official present in court.
Justice Shahzad asked why police had not taken the accused into custody after the lower courts dismissed his bail pleas. He remarked that, on such performance, the official should be recommended for the post of Inspector General.
Justice Shakeel Ahmad observed that it had become routine for Punjab Police not to arrest accused persons after their bail is rejected. He noted that this also happens in serious cases, including murder.
Justice Shahzad then asked the counsel of the petitioner whether he would withdraw the petition or whether the court should dismiss it on merit. The accused subsequently surrendered to police, and his counsel withdrew the petition.
The court disposed of the matter.
