An internal inquiry commenced by the Lahore High Court (LHC) has recommended a minor penalty of “censure” for four members of janitorial and services staff at the Judges Rest House, GOR-I (Government Officers’ Residences), for using ‘forbidden’ crockery.

 

A Christian waiter, among the staff, has been issued a final show-cause of dismissal from service on another charge of ‘misconduct’.

 

According to reports, the staff were found using crockery designated for the “honourable judges” on December 3, 2024, while having lunch in Suite No. 6 of the Rest House, despite prior warnings.

 

Samuel Sandhu (bearer/waiter), Faisal Hayat (dusting coolie), Shahzad Masih (sweeper), and Muhammad Imran (counter staff) are among the staff who have been accused in the inquiry.

In their defence, the staff maintained that they were having lunch on plates meant for gunmen and drivers of the judges. 

 

The inquiry report suggests that waiter Sandhu also displayed inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour towards his seniors when confronted about the matter, a charge Sandhu has denied.

 

The inquiry officer, Additional Registrar (Examinations) Usman Ali Awan, found Sandhu guilty of misconduct, recommending the major penalty of “Removal from Service” under Rule 23 (6) of the High Court Rules & Orders.

 

While other staff members admitted to using the crockery and were recommended for the minor penalty of censure, Sandhu’s alleged aggressive behaviour and use of rude language were considered enough to justify his dismissal, it said.

 

The inquiry report further stated that evidence, including witness testimonies and video footage, supported the charges against him.

 

The final notice- issued on July 11- provides Sandhu with 10 days to respond and defend himself, and failure to do so will result in the presumption that he has no defense to offer, leading to the imposition of the recommended major penalty.

 

The report also cites witness statements and video evidence to support the misconduct charges against Sandhu.

 

Although the complainant/caretaker reiterated that a number of times instructions have been passed to the staff, an LHC official, told a leading English newspaper that no clear written policy about crockery restrictions was visible in the Rest House, adding that the rules were often enforced arbitrarily.

 

The official added that the case underscores the need for clear internal protocols and equal application of disciplinary procedures to prevent both misconduct and perceptions of bias, particularly in highly sensitive environments like judicial premises.