A new policy introduced by the Punjab Inspector General (IG) ensures that individuals proven innocent will no longer bear the stigma of a criminal record on their character certificates.
All relevant officers have been directed to implement these changes, which aim to streamline the process and prevent unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
Under the updated system, cases where individuals were declared innocent during investigations will no longer require verification committee meetings or reports to the Central Police Office. The character certificate records will be automatically updated through a revised format comprising 15 designated columns.
For those found innocent, official remarks will now state “case dismissed,” while individuals acquitted through court proceedings will have “not involved” recorded on their certificates.
This reform is expected to provide significant relief to those who have faced wrongful accusations, ensuring their records accurately reflect their legal status.
Addressing a Long-Standing Issue
Previously, individuals who were cleared of charges often struggled with job applications, visa approvals, and other official processes due to outdated records still reflecting past legal proceedings.
Employers, educational institutions, and immigration authorities commonly review character certificates, and even a baseless First Information Report (FIR) could create long-term challenges. The new policy aims to eliminate such hurdles by ensuring an individual’s innocence is clearly documented.
Students applying for international universities, visa applicants for destinations like the US, Europe, and Australia, and individuals seeking employment in Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar will particularly benefit from this update.
By removing the unfair stigma attached to wrongful accusations, the policy restores justice and dignity to thousands who have been adversely affected by outdated character records.
