Punjab Lawyers Criticize Biometric Verification Requirements as Obstacle to Justice Access

Punjab Lawyers Criticize Biometric Verification Requirements as Obstacle to Justice Access

Lahore — The implementation of mandatory biometric verification for litigants filing cases in Punjab has drawn criticism from the province’s legal community, who describe the system as creating barriers rather than facilitating access to justice.

The requirement, introduced in January and made fully effective in March, was initially presented as a technical measure to prevent fraudulent litigation and impersonation. According to a statement attributed to LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, the system aimed to eliminate bogus witnesses and sureties while modernizing the judiciary.

However, members of the legal fraternity report significant infrastructure challenges and recurring technical glitches that delay urgent filings. Lawyers argue the measure now functions as a gatekeeping mechanism, disproportionately affecting poor and vulnerable litigants. Some view it as a revenue-generating model rather than judicial reform, with the prescribed fee of Rs200 often escalating to Rs300.

The Lahore Bar Association and Lahore High Court Bar Association have raised concerns, noting the system was implemented without consultation. LHCBA President Babar Murtaza said the bar supports biometric verification for main petitions but opposes it for subsequent civil applications and criminal matters, including bail petitions.

Critics also question witness verification requirements, asking who bears the cost when testimony cannot proceed due to adjournments. Additionally, a proposed “financial assistance” fee of Rs20 per verification has been labeled as “legalised extortion,” with comparisons drawn to Islamabad High Court’s lower fee structure.

Former LHCBA president Syed Riazul Hassan Gilani has filed a formal complaint with the Chief Justice of Pakistan, arguing the “pay-to-access” model violates constitutional guarantees of equal justice.

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