Follow HC orders on timely submission of medical reports: DGP

Acting on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, has directed all commissioners of police and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to ensure strict compliance with the court’s directive mandating the timely submission of medical reports in criminal investigations.

Through a circular, the DGP has instructed police officials across the state to make certain that all doctors in government hospitals and medical colleges hand over X-rays, CT scans and other medical reports to investigating officers (IOs) within two days of their preparation. He further ordered that all station house officers (SHOs) and IOs be duly informed and held accountable for enforcing the timeline.

The directive follows the HC’s strong observations in a case where the court noted with concern the persistent delays in receiving crucial medical evidence and directed the state to streamline the process.

According to the circular, failure by doctors to comply with the stipulated two-day period will entitle the IO concerned to initiate appropriate legal action for non-cooperation. Similarly, any laxity by the police in collecting these reports will also be viewed seriously.