The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious concern over unusual delays in the registration of FIRs in murder cases in Sindh and sought a clear and unequivocal policy from the Sindh inspector general of police and prosecutor general within one week to address the issue. A two-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, heard the case. During the hearing, Justice Kakar remarked that if an FIR is registered two or three days late, the accused could be acquitted. He said there "seems to be no concept of punishment in Sindh" and that delays in registering FIRs in murder cases were unacceptable. Justice Salahuddin Panhwar observed that FIRs in heinous crimes should be registered immediately and that the practice of seeking permission before registering an FIR should be discontinued. He further observed that when an accused is influential, even the daily police diary is effectively shut down. "The complainant will say whatever you tell him," he remarked. He further said that in murder cases, police often wait for the permission of a feudal or influential figure. Abandon this policy and register FIRs immediately in heinous crimes, he said, adding that police should not be allowed to delay the registration of FIRs. Justice Kakar directed that a standard operating procedure be issued requiring the immediate registration of an FIR as soon as information about an incident is received. The court also suggested departmental action against the SHO and DSP for delays in registering FIRs and sought a clear and unequivocal policy from the IGP Sindh regarding such delays. The court then adjourned further proceedings until October 6.