Lahore High Court ordered NCCIA not to harass cricketer Mohammad Rizwan.
LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has dismissed cricketer Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) inquiry and directed the agency not to harass.
Chief Justice Lahore High Court Justice Alia Neelam issued a detailed written order on Rizwan’s request.
According to the court order, the NCCIA is investigating the allegations of online betting and gambling against Mohammad Rizwan.
The government counsel told the court that the matter falls under Section 14 of the Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, which deals with obtaining illegal financial gain.
The lawyer said that the information obtained during cyber patrolling has indicated Rizwan’s alleged connection with the case.
The court observed that it was appropriate at this stage to allow the authorities concerned to continue with the inquiry into the allegations.
The LHC noted that the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code does not preclude or supersede proceedings under other applicable laws.
The court said that the ICC Rules cannot be used as a basis for avoiding criminal proceedings. It also noted that the ICC’s own disciplinary framework requires cooperation with relevant criminal or regulatory authorities.
According to the decision, the existence of the ICC’s disciplinary system does not prevent a legally competent state body from conducting an inquiry.
The court further observed that a call-up notice by itself does not amount to an allegation that a person has committed an offence.
The LHC ruled that the NCCIA inquiry was neither outside the agency’s jurisdiction nor motivated by bad faith.
The court said the purpose of the inquiry is to investigate and address corruption in sports. It added that the court cannot interfere at this preliminary stage before the inquiry is completed and the need for further action is determined.
The court observed that if Rizwan has any grievance on the final outcome of the inquiry, he can seek appropriate legal relief as per law.
Regarding the items seized or confiscated from Rizwan, the court said that he can approach the concerned court for their return.
The Lahore High Court directed Muhammad Rizwan to appear before the NCCIA and cooperate in its inquiry.
At the same time, the court directed the NCCIA not to harass or cause unnecessary suffering to Rizwan and to conduct inquiry strictly according to law.
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