Legal Help · Published October 27, 2026
Section 22-A/22-B CrPC: The Justice of Peace Explained
The provision that forces a refused FIR into court — outside the police station entirely.
Quick answer
Sections 22-A and 22-B of the CrPC let a citizen apply to an Ex-Officio Justice of the Peace — usually the district Sessions Judge — when police refuse to register an FIR or mishandle an investigation. Under Section 22-A(6), the Justice of Peace can direct the police to register the case, transfer the investigation to a different officer, or address neglect or excess by the police — after examining the record and hearing both sides.
The framework, layer by layer
A 2002 amendment created a new quasi-judicial power
The Criminal Procedure (Third Amendment) Ordinance 2002 conferred an additional role on ex-officio Justices of the Peace — typically the Sessions Judge and nominated Additional Sessions Judges of a district — to entertain complaints about police inaction and issue binding directions.
Section 22-A(6) — three specific powers
The Justice of Peace can (1) direct police to register an FIR where they've refused to, (2) direct the transfer of an investigation from one police officer to another, and (3) take note of neglect, failure, or excess committed by police in the course of their duties.
It's quasi-judicial, not a rubber stamp
Courts have held that the Justice of Peace's function under Section 22-A(6) requires genuine application of mind — examining the record and hearing the parties before issuing a direction — not a purely administrative sign-off.
This is the remedy for a refused FIR — not for misconduct generally
A 22-A/22-B application is specifically for getting a criminal case registered or an investigation properly redirected. General police misconduct — abuse of power, rudeness, corruption — is addressed through the Police Order 2002 complaint framework, a separate process.
Why this provision exists — and why superior courts keep revisiting it
Pakistan's Supreme Court and High Courts have repeatedly clarified the scope of Section 22-A(6), because it sits at a sensitive intersection: it gives a judicial officer power to direct police action without that officer being the trial judge in the eventual case. Case law — including the Supreme Court's guidance summarized in PLD 2016 SC 581 — has repeatedly emphasized that the Justice of Peace's role is genuinely adjudicatory: examining whether the police's refusal to register an FIR was justified, not simply ordering registration on request.
In practice, this means a well-documented application — showing the facts that constitute the alleged offence and the specific way police failed to act — moves faster and more successfully than a bare complaint that the police "aren't helping." The Justice of Peace is examining the merits, not simply intervening because a citizen is frustrated with the process.
What Wakeel.org can help with
Explaining how Sections 22-A and 22-B generally work and what facts a strong application typically includes.
What it cannot do
It cannot draft or file your application or represent you before the Justice of Peace — a licensed advocate should handle that.
Frequently asked questions
What is Section 22-A/22-B CrPC used for?
It's used to apply to an Ex-Officio Justice of the Peace — typically a Sessions Judge — when the police refuse to register an FIR, mishandle an investigation, or neglect their duties. The Justice of Peace can direct the police to register the case or transfer the investigation to a different officer.
Who is the 'Justice of Peace' under this provision?
An Ex-Officio Justice of the Peace is typically the Sessions Judge, or an Additional Sessions Judge nominated for the role, in the relevant district — a role added by the Criminal Procedure (Third Amendment) Ordinance 2002.
When should I file a 22-A/22-B application?
After you've tried to have police register an FIR and they've refused, delayed unreasonably, or handled the matter improperly — the application asks the Justice of Peace to direct them to act, or to transfer the investigation to another officer.
Is the Justice of Peace's decision automatic or does it require a hearing?
Courts have described the function as quasi-judicial — the Justice of Peace examines the record, hears the parties, and applies independent judgment before issuing directions, rather than simply approving every application.
Can Wakeel.org help me file a 22-A/22-B application?
Wakeel.org can explain how the provision generally works and what it can and can't accomplish. It cannot draft or file the application or represent you before the Justice of Peace — a licensed advocate should handle that.
General educational information, not legal advice. See our full disclaimer.
Police refusing to register your FIR?
Ask Wakeel how the Justice of Peace process generally works — then verify with a licensed advocate before you file.