SHC seeks clarification on authority to order JIT in Mir Raza case

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued a written order on a petition challenging the formation of a judicial commission in the Mir Raza case and seeking the constitution of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

The court has issued notices to the Advocate General Sindh, Prosecutor General Sindh and Deputy Attorney General, directing them to assist the court on legal questions at the next hearing. Further proceedings in the case will take place on August 31.

According to the written order, the court has sought clarification on whether it can directly direct the formation of a JIT and whether it has the authority to alter or supervise the investigation and the submission of its report.

The court also questioned whether intervention is permissible under the Sindh Tribunals of Inquiry Ordinance, 1969 without a gazette notification.

The petition, filed by Mir Raza’s family, states that a case concerning his disappearance and death was registered at Ferozabad Police Station. The petition alleges that the investigation was compromised after the crime scene was not secured in a timely manner and witnesses’ statements were not recorded promptly.

It further alleges that electronic devices were not properly examined and that a narrative of suicide was allegedly adopted and promoted prematurely.

According to the petition, significant discrepancies were later found in the medico-legal record. The police surgeon reportedly identified shortcomings in the initial post-mortem examination and recommended exhumation.

Following the exhumation, a special medical board examined the body, with the petition claiming that its findings were inconsistent with the initial suicide narrative. The final post-mortem and chemical examination reports, according to the petition, ruled out the possibility of suicide.

The family has also raised serious allegations regarding the conduct of members of the previous investigation team, including alleged mishandling or loss of evidence and delays in recording the statements of the petitioners.

The petition further states that the current investigation team has so far failed to identify any suspect and sought additional time on August 24 to submit the challan.

The petitioners have requested the court to order the formation of an independent and comprehensive JIT comprising officers who had no prior involvement in the case.

The SHC observed that it would examine whether it has the legal authority to order the formation of a JIT in the matter and whether it can issue directions concerning the ongoing investigation.