In a bizarre display of judicial authority, two police officers were subject to unconventional and publicly humiliating punishments at a Karachi courthouse for their alleged non-compliance with court protocols.
A Humiliating Chore: Cop Mops Court Floor
The incident quickly garnered social media attention and involved SIO Tariq Khalid, the investigator in charge of Surjani Town Police. He faced an unexpected directive during a routine court appearance. Instead of a standard reprimand, he received orders from the West judicial magistrate and civil judge to mop the court’s floors, a duty far removed from his official responsibilities. Seeing a uniformed police officer undertaking janitorial work raised many eyebrows and instigated debates over judicial conduct and the balance of authority.
Handcuffs and Jail Time: Another Officer’s Dilemma
In a separate but equally unsettling event at the same court, Sub-Inspector Ilyas Shah was not only handcuffed but also received a seven-day incarceration sentence. His offence was reportedly a simple failure to adhere to the standard operating procedures of the court. This mistake usually invites a reproof or a more official form of censure. However, the magistrate’s decision to opt for such a visible punishment has sparked discussions concerning judicial overreach and respect for police duties.
According to a senior police officer who wished to remain unnamed, there is growing unrest among the police ranks regarding the judicial magistrate’s treatment. At least eight officers have filed written complaints, documenting various forms of what they perceive as mistreatment by the magistrate, including being forced to perform cleaning tasks, public parading in handcuffs, or unwarranted detention. These grievances highlight an escalating tension between the judicial and police departments, beginning a review of the professional etiquette expected within legal institutions.
