The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee has approved key legislative amendments aimed at speeding up the appeal process for acquitted accused and extending accountability inquiries against retired government officers.

The bills, once sent to the Governor, will come into immediate effect.

The Punjab Assembly approved the Criminal Code (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025, which modifies Section 417 of the Criminal Code 1898. The amendment shifts the power to approve appeals against acquittals from the provincial government to the Secretary of the Public Prosecution Department.

Under the new law, the Secretary can directly order the Public Prosecutor to file an appeal against an acquittal decision, bypassing previous bureaucratic delays. The change aims to ensure timely filing within the statutory period, which was often missed under the old procedure due to prolonged approval processes.

According to the bill’s Statement of Objects and Reasons, this reform is intended to make the appeal process fast, effective, and free from unnecessary administrative hurdles.

PEDA Act Amendment Bill 2025

The Standing Committee also passed the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEDA) Act Amendment Bill 2025. This amendment addresses a long-standing loophole concerning retired government officers. Previously, accountability inquiries would automatically end if not completed within two years of an officer’s retirement.

The amendment allows the competent authority to extend inquiries beyond the two-year period, either for a specific duration or as needed, with written justification. The goal is to ensure that accountability proceedings continue effectively, preventing premature closure of cases due to procedural time limits.

This change also resolves issues where PEDA proceedings were previously terminated following court decisions or technical loopholes, ensuring that investigations and disciplinary actions can proceed without unnecessary interruptions.