The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered National Accountability Bureau (NAB) not to misuse its powers by harassing the accused during investigation. The suspects of white-collar crimes cannot be detained for 90 days in every reference when the bureau only requires documentary evidence, the apex court observed.
Justice Umar Ata Bandial issued these remarks while presiding over a bench hearing petitions filed against the NAB. He termed the period of 90 days for detention harsh, adding that white-collar crimes only require documentary evidence to be proved. He further ordered the accountability watchdog not to harass the accused and misuse its powers.
Justice Mazahir Ali observed that in military cases the remand cannot exceed 40 days, but the NAB has been given 90 days for investigation. He asked the bureau as to why it does not complete its investigation and file a single reference.
Justice Umar Ata Bandial issued these remarks while presiding over a bench hearing petitions filed against the NAB. He termed the period of 90 days for detention harsh, adding that white-collar crimes only require documentary evidence to be proved. He further ordered the accountability watchdog not to harass the accused and misuse its powers.
Justice Mazahir Ali observed that in military cases the remand cannot exceed 40 days, but the NAB has been given 90 days for investigation. He asked the bureau as to why it does not complete its investigation and file a single reference.