The Lahore High Court Biometric Verification SOPs set clear procedures for using biometric systems within court premises, ensuring secure and reliable identity verification for litigants. These SOPs aim to ensure accurate identification of litigants, prevent impersonation, enhance transparency, and strengthen the integrity of judicial proceedings. Here are the detailed biometric verification SOPs of Lahore High Court.
Lahore High Court Biometric Verification SOPs
1. SHORT TITLE AND COMMENCEMENT
a) These Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) shall be called the “Lahore High Court Biometric Verification SOPs”.
b) They shall come into force with immediate effect.
2. PURPOSE
a) These SOPs aim to ensure accurate identification of litigants, prevent impersonation, enhance transparency, and strengthen the integrity of judicial proceedings.
b) These SOPs are issued in pursuance of the policy decision of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee and in conformity with international best practices for secure personal identification.
3. SCOPE OF APPLICATION
a) These SOPs shall apply to all judicial proceedings before the Lahore High Court and the District Judiciary of Punjab, including civil, criminal, commercial, writ petitions, family, rent, election appeals/disputes, bail matters, and other relevant matters.
b) These SOPs shall apply to:
- Litigants filing cases of any nature
- Defendants/respondents filing written statements/replies
- Sureties submitting bonds
- Persons making statements
- Any person whose biometric verification is required by a court
4. DEFINITIONS
a) “Biometrics” means electronically captured fingerprints, iris, or facial recognition of a CNIC holder.
b) “Biometric Verification” means matching fingerprints (or iris/facial data) with NADRA database records.
c) “Litigant” means a person involved in a case (plaintiff or defendant).
Explanation: Includes surety, statement-maker, or any person requiring verification.
d) “NADRA” means National Database Registration Authority.
e) “NADRA e-Sahulat Centre” means a designated NADRA-linked facility providing biometric services.
5. MANDATORY BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION
Biometric verification is mandatory for:
a) All litigants filing cases
b) Defendants/respondents filing replies
c) Sureties
d) Persons making statements
e) Any person required by the court
f) Persons withdrawing court-deposited amounts
6. SINGLE LITIGANT IN MULTIPLE CASES
a) Verification must be done separately for each case.
b) One verification cannot be used for multiple cases.
7. MULTIPLE LITIGANTS IN ONE CASE
a) Each litigant must be verified individually.
b) Each defendant/respondent must also be verified individually.
c) If one person legally represents others, only that person’s verification is required.
8. LITIGANTS IN CUSTODY
a) Verification will be conducted in jail/lockup using available systems.
b) Jail authorities are responsible for arranging verification.
9. ACCUSED ON BAIL
a) Must undergo verification before first court appearance.
b) Private complaint filers must verify before filing.
10. FILING OF BAIL PETITIONS
a) Pre-arrest bail applicants must undergo verification.
b) Minors are exempt, subject to:
- CRC/B-Form or FRC
- Guardian affidavit with photo
- Affidavit attached to the application
c) Post-arrest cases: jail authorities handle verification.
11. CASES INVOLVING MINORS
a) Minors may be exempt with CRC/B-Form or FRC.
b) Case must be filed through guardian/next friend.
c) Guardian must undergo biometric verification.
d) Minor’s photo must be attested by a Designated Officer.
12. PERSONS WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
a) Must be declared by a competent court under the Mental Health Ordinance 2001.
b) Guardian must undergo biometric verification.
13. CASES INVOLVING GOVERNMENT / CORPORATIONS
a) Authorized representative must undergo verification.
b) Authority letter must be attached.
c) For companies: director/authorized officer verification + resolution required.
14. REPRESENTATION BY AUTHORIZED PERSON
Authorized representative (e.g., power of attorney holder) must undergo biometric verification.
15. LITIGANTS RESIDING ABROAD
a) Authorized representative in Pakistan must undergo verification.
b) Documents must be attested by:
- Pakistani Embassy/Consulate
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
c) If the litigant visits Pakistan → local rules apply.
d) If the litigant later moves abroad → representative verified.
e) POC holders must verify or show identity documents if verification fails.
16. BLOCKED / EXPIRED / LOST CNIC
a) Blocked CNIC:
- Alternative documents required
- Affidavit with reason
b) Expired/Lost CNIC:
- Renewal receipt or police report
- Affidavit required
c) Designated Officer verifies identity physically and captures a photo.
17. FOREIGNERS
a) Identified by the Investigating Officer or documents.
b) Passport or identity documents required.
c) Documents may include:
- Passport
- Refugee/UNHCR documents
- PoR Card
- Diplomatic ID
- Court orders
18. WITHDRAWAL OF AMOUNT
Biometric verification is mandatory for withdrawal of court deposits.
19. EXEMPTIONS FROM BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION
a) If fingerprints are not verifiable:
- Affidavit required
- Physical verification by an officer
b) Exemptions also apply to:
- Minors
- Mentally ill persons
- Cases where the NADRA data is unavailable
20. DESIGNATED OFFICERS
a) High Court: Assistant Registrar level officer.
b) District Courts: Staff Officer / Clerk of Court.
c) Tehsil Courts: Clerk/Reader.
d) Responsibilities:
- Verify identity using documents
- Capture photos
- Maintain records
e) May verify close relatives if needed.
f) Must attach the identification certificate to the case file.
21. BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION PROCEDURE
a) Tracking ID Generation
Through the LHC website or biometric portal.
b) Validity
Valid for 48 hours.
c) Visit NADRA Centre
Bring CNIC + Tracking ID.
d) Verification
Receipt issued after verification.
e) Submission
Attach receipt to case file.
f) Office Verification
The court verifies via the portal and marks the ID as used.
g) Invalid Slip
Fake/reused slips are rejected.
h) Validity of Slip
48 hours after issuance.
i) Fee
Applicable in all cases.
22. NON-COMPLIANCE
a) Case becomes defective.
b) Deficiency memo issued.
23. DATA PROTECTION & AWARENESS
a) Data used only for identification.
b) Not shared without consent (except legal requirement).
c) Public awareness via notices and website.
24. TRAINING OF STAFF
a) Staff trained in:
- System operation
- Tracking ID handling
- Data security
b) Training conducted by the IT Wing with NADRA.
25. REMOVAL OF DIFFICULTIES
The Chief Justice of Lahore High Court may issue directions for unresolved matters.
26. REVIEW AND AMENDMENT
SOPs may be updated as required.
Also Read:
- Lahore High Court Leave Rules, 2025 (PDF)
- Up-Gradation of Computer Operator to Computer Programmer in Punjab 2022
- Eligibility for M.Phil Allowance-Clarification for Federal Employees
