LHC orders uniform legible font for FIRs across Punjab

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Thursday ordered Punjab police to use a single, legible font for computerised First Information Reports (FIRs) in every police station in the province, after saying that the documents submitted to the court were too small to read even with spectacles.

The directions came during the hearing of a contempt petition against former Chuhng station house officer Rashid Amin Butt, Daily Times reported. Minute Mirror described the case as involving police officials from Chuhng. Inspector General of Punjab Police Abdul Karim, also referred to as Rao Abdul Karim by Minute Mirror, appeared before the court along with other senior officers. Additional Advocate General Muhammad Naveed Sheikh and Assistant Advocate General Waqas Umar were also present, according to Daily Times.

Justice Neelum said the problem of tiny FIR fonts was appearing in almost every case. Daily Times quoted her as saying, "Have you seen the FIR? It cannot be read even with glasses," and asking whether the court was expected to read or understand such documents. She said the text became too small when material meant for three pages was squeezed onto one page.

"They say they are saving paper, but while saving paper, they have ruined our eyesight," Daily Times quoted the chief justice as saying. Minute Mirror reported a similar remark: "People say they are saving paper, but while saving paper, they have damaged our eyesight."

The court directed the inspector general to ensure a uniform and appropriate font for all FIRs and to prepare a standard computerised format for circulation to every police station in Punjab. The chief justice said at least one standard font should be prescribed, adding that the matter was not complicated and could be fixed within a day or two.

The IG told the court that a letter had been sent to the chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) about increasing FIR font size. He said police had sought help from the PITB and that FIRs would now be able to be enlarged through the zoom function by up to 70 percent, Daily Times reported. Minute Mirror also reported that the police had sought assistance from the PITB.

The court asked the Punjab police to submit a report on the steps taken by September 29, and adjourned further proceedings. The order covers all FIRs registered in Punjab. Minute Mirror noted that Justice Neelum is the first woman to serve as chief justice of the Lahore High Court in its 142-year history.