ORDER-SHEET

IN THE HIGH COURT OF SINDH, CIRCUIT COURT LARKANA  

Crl. Misc. Appln. No. S-  88 of 2022.

Date of hearing

Order with signature of Judge

16.12.2022.

1.          For orders on office objections.

2.         For hearing of main case.

Mr. Muhammad Bachal Mangi, Advocate for applicant.

Mr. Aitbar Ali Bullo, Deputy Prosecutor General.

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Amjad Ali Sahito, J-   Through captioned criminal miscellaneous application, applicant Irfan Ali Jalbani has impugned the order dated 04.3.2022, passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge Ratodero/ Ex-Officio/ Justice of Peace, whereby he has dismissed an application filed by the applicant in terms of Section 22-A & 22-B Cr.P.C, seeking order for registration of F.I.R., in respect of an incident alleged to have taken place on 28.2.2021, whereby the applicant was allegedly caused some injury by proposed accused.

            The learned counsel for applicant contended that learned Justice of Peace has erred in law and exercised discretion in favor of the proposed accused. He further added that the contents of application filed by the applicant under Section 22-A & 22-B Cr.P.C, prima-facie discloses the commission of a cognizable offence and as per provisions of Section 154 Cr.P.C the Officer Incharge of the Police station is required and bound to register F.I.R and he has no power to refuse. Lastly, he prayed that his application may be allowed and respondent No.1 may be directed to register F.I.R of the applicant.

            Perusal of the impugned order reflects that the learned Ex-Officio/ Justice of Peace called report from SHO of concerned Police station and Incharge District Complaint & Redressal Cell, Larkana, who reported that the applicant had appeared at police station and received letter for medical treatment and having injured during road accident and that the applicant did not participate the inquiry proceeding with Incharge Complaint & Redressal Cell Larkana.

            Since, version of applicant has been negated by the concerned police with regard to happening of the alleged incident in a fashion as disclosed by the applicant in his application. In these circumstances, when concerned police have already negated and denied the version of the applicant, what would be expected from them, if the F.I.R of the applicant is registered, as such proper course for the applicant would be that of availing adequate remedy in shape of direct complaint.

            In the case of Habibullah v. Political Assistant, Dera Ghazi Khan and others (2005 SCMR 951), the Hon’ble Supreme Court has observed that filing of private complaint could provide an equal adequate relief to the petitioner because he could lead the entire evidence himself before the trial Court and his grievance could be adequately redressed considering also the fact that respondent/ SHO, who in the report and para-wise comments has mentioned adverse to the petitioner’s case, therefore, it could not be expected from the concerned SHO that he would carry independent and impartial investigation in the case. It may be stated that under the provisions of Article 199 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan it was not obligatory for the High Court to issue writ in each case irrespective of the facts and circumstances which could call for exercise of judicial restraint in turning down the request for registration of F.I.R in view of the conduct of the party besides considering that adequate remedy in the form of private complaint being available to the petitioner.

            In view of the above circumstances and the dictum laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, I am of the view that it would be appropriate for the applicant to institute a direct complaint before the Court having jurisdiction, where he could lead entire evidence himself and his grievance could be adequately redressed. With above observations, the application in hand being merit-less is dismissed.

                                                       Judge