ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a landmark ruling emphasizing the need for “organizational justice” in the police department. The ruling came as the court adjudicated a matter regarding the seniority of a police officer in the Punjab Police. The 9-page judgment, authored by Justice Sayed Mansoor Ali Shah, stated that the issues of posting, transfer and seniority must be resolved within the department, in accordance with the Police Rules, and that only legal interpretation matters may come before the courts.
The court expressed concern over the fact that several junior officers had approached the courts for redressal of their grievances, which reflected poorly on the internal governance of the police department. The court noted that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Punjab enjoyed administrative powers over the police organization, and was under an obligation to exercise his powers within the organization to ensure that police officers were dealt with in accordance with the law.
The court also recommended that the IGP consider constituting a standing committee to regularly address the concerns of junior police officers with respect to their seniority. The ruling stated that this would lead to the development of a more robust, efficient, and strong police force in the country.
The court emphasized that organizational justice was essential for police officers to perform their duties with complete dedication and commitment. The ruling stated that when police officers perceive the institution as fair and just towards them, they would demonstrate less cynicism towards the job and have a more amiable attitude towards the public. The court noted that uncertainty in the promotion structure and delay in promotions weaken such perceptions, leading to inefficiency, misconduct, low morale, and a decrease in public trust in the police.
The ruling stated that organizational justice is firmly rooted in constitutional values and fundamental rights, including the principle of social and economic justice, due process, right to dignity, non-discrimination, right to carry out a lawful profession, and the right to livelihood. The court noted that the importance of organizational justice cannot be underestimated, as it focuses on how employees judge the behavior of the organization and its impact on employees’ attitudes and behaviors.
The court emphasized that it was best if the police force was regulated by its statutory framework, the Police Order, 2002, and the Police Rules. The ruling stated that disputes among police officers must first be resolved by the IGP or his representatives, and that the courts should only interfere in cases of legal interpretation or blatant abuse of the process. The court noted that a strong and smart police force requires organizational justice firmly entrenched in the institution so that its officers are assured that they work for an institution that stands for rules, fairness, transparency, and efficiency.
This ruling marks a significant milestone for the police department in Pakistan, and highlights the importance of ensuring organizational justice for a more effective, efficient, and trusted police force.
