In an unusual development in Lahore, police have registered a theft case involving the disappearance of two apples and a bottle of hand wash from the chamber of an additional sessions judge.
The case, filed at Islampura Police Station, marks a first-of-its-kind incident within court premises.
According to the FIR, the items were stolen from the judge’s chamber on December 5, with the total value declared as Rs1,000. The complaint was lodged by the judge’s reader, prompting police to formally initiate proceedings.
Lahore Police registered the case under Section 380 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with theft in a building used for custody of property.
Legal implications and expert opinion
A legal expert commented that Section 380 carries a maximum punishment of seven years, or a fine, or both -- depending on the court’s decision. The lawyer emphasized that under Pakistani law, “whether the theft is of one rupee or one crore rupees, it is a cognizable crime.”
He added that the standard of justice should remain consistent regardless of the monetary value involved, highlighting equal application of the law.
First such incident
Court staff noted that this is the first incident of its kind involving such minor items stolen from a judge’s chamber. The filing of an FIR, despite the low value, reflects the court’s strict stance on maintaining decorum, security, and the sanctity of its premises.
Police have begun investigating the matter.
