An anti-corruption court judge on Wednesday reprimanded jail authorities over their refusal to comply with the issued “robkar,” a court order demanding the release of former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi. Elahi’s post-arrest bail was accepted in a case involving alleged out-of-merit appointments in the Punjab Assembly.
Previously, the judge had granted Elahi’s bail and issued a “robkar” instructing jail authorities to release him. Contrary to complying with this order, the jail authorities sought further clarification from the court.
Read: PTI President Parvez Elahi Granted Post-Arrest Bail in Money Laundering Case
Show Cause Notices and Summoning of Jail Officials
In the initial proceedings, Judge Ali Raza issued show cause notices to both the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of Camp Jail, summoning them to explain why the court’s order had not been followed.
During the second round of proceedings, when the Superintendent appeared before the court, Judge Raza demanded why the court’s “robkar” hadn’t been adhered to. He was met with evasive responses from the jail official, leading him to remark, “If you are not in a position to understand the court’s order, then leave the job”.
Judge Raza scheduled July 14th to initiate proceedings on the show cause notices. He also requested a compliance report by the next hearing.
Details of the Case
In the previous month, Judge Raza granted post-arrest bail to Elahi, who was embroiled in a corruption case related to out-of-merit appointments in the Punjab Assembly. After considering arguments from both sides, the judge decided to release Elahi, providing he wasn’t required for any other case. The former Chief Minister was also instructed to submit surety bonds of Rs1 million.
