Erasure of Petty Criminal Records for Police Character Certificates: Key Directives from Punjab Police-Notification

Implementation of IGP Punjab Standing Order No. 02/2024: Guidelines for Criminal Record Deletion:

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (IT) Punjab, Lahore, issued a memo dated 24^th October 2024, addressing the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore and all Regional Police Officers in Punjab regarding the implementation of the IGP Punjab Standing Order No. 02/2024. This Standing Order pertains to the erasure or deletion of criminal records in the Police Service Record Management System (PSRMS) for individuals seeking Police Character Certificates. The memo outlines the procedure for considering recommendations from verification committees for the deletion of records, particularly for individuals involved in petty or non-heinous crimes, as per the directives of the Lahore High Court. The Standing Order was introduced to support the rehabilitation of individuals seeking employment or opportunities abroad by masking minor offenses. However, the Assistant Inspector General has highlighted concerns regarding some cases that do not align with the intent of the order, where individuals may be attempting to erase records without valid justification. Notification Describes;

From

The Asstt. Inspector General of Police,
Information Technology, Punjab, Lahore.

To

1. The Capital City Police Officer, Lahore.
2. All Regional Police Officers, In Punjab.

No. 4204-12/PCB

Dated 24-10-2024

Subject :-       RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ERASURE/DELETION OF POLICE RECORD AS PER IGP. PUNJAB STANDING ORDER NO. 02/2024

Memo:                 Please refer to the subject cited above.

2.            It is stated that, as per IGP, Punjab Standing Order No. 02/2024, this office receives recommendations of the Verification Committee headed by the Regional Police Officer or the Capital City Police Officer Lahore, for erasure/deletion of the record from PSRMS, for Issuance of Police Character Certificate.

3.          In this regard, It is Intimated that the Standing Order 02/2024 was issued to mask criminal records of offenders involved in petty or non-heinous crimes, aimed at assisting youth seeking employment or travel abroad. The subject Standing Order was Issued as per Lahore High Court’s directions. It does not intend to benefit hardened criminals, individuals involved in multiple cases, or those acquitted as a result of compromise. However, few cases recommended by verification committees contradict the order’s purpose. Additionally, some individuals are exploiting this process to “clean” their criminal records without valid reasons.

4.              It is therefore, requested that only cases in line with the Standing Order’s original Intent be considered and forwarded to this office, for further necessary action, please.

Assistant Inspector General of Police/IT,
CPO, Punjab, Lahore

Conclusion:

The Assistant Inspector General’s memo emphasizes the need for a thorough and careful review of recommendations related to the deletion of criminal records, ensuring that only cases consistent with the original intent of the Standing Order are considered. The Standing Order, aimed at providing opportunities for individuals with minor offenses to clean their records, should not be exploited by hardened criminals or those with multiple criminal cases. The memo serves as a reminder to the police officers involved in the verification process to remain vigilant and forward only the cases that align with the purpose of the order, which is to assist individuals whose past minor offenses do not hinder their chances for employment or travel. By adhering to these guidelines, the process of erasure/deletion will be kept fair, transparent, and in line with the intended rehabilitation of deserving individuals.

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