TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORS)

Procurement of Sexual Violence Case Files for a Gap Analysis Study in Punjab

Background

Legal Aid Society (LAS), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Government of Punjab, is conducting a Gap Analysis of Sexual Violence Case Investigation and Prosecution in Punjab. The initiative aims to assess the fidelity of implementation of the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences Relating to Rape) Act, 2016 and the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, including systemic barriers in investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of rape, gang rape, and sodomy cases.

To achieve this, LAS requires the services of an experienced law firm to locate, collect, and procure a representative set of 50 case files of sexual violence (rape, gang rape, and sodomy) from selected districts in Punjab for the period 2021–2025. These case files will form the basis of the cascade and qualitative analysis that underpins the study.

Scope of Consultancy and Expected Deliverables

The selected law firm will:

1. Procure Case Files: Locate, collect, and procure 50 case files (disposed and active) of sexual violence cases from Punjab, ensuring a representative sample across:

• Geography (North, Central, South Punjab districts such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sargodha, Kasur, and D.G. Khan).

• Time Period (2021–2025, aligning with ARITA 2021 implementation).

• Case Outcomes (convictions, acquittals, and pending trials).

2. Case File Content: Ensure that each case file, where available, includes:

• FIR (First Information Report)

• Medico-legal and forensic reports (including DNA)

• Statements under Sections 161 & 164 CrPC

• Police challans and charge-framing orders

• Final judgments (disposed cases)

• Any supplementary exhibits relevant to the case

3. Tracker Sheet: Maintain a case acquisition tracker (district, case type, year, outcome, document completeness).
4. Gap Reporting: Report instances where case files are incomplete or inaccessible, and document the reasons (e.g., missing from court archives, denied access, etc.).
5. Submission of Files: Deliver both hard and soft copies of the case files to LAS, Karachi.
6. Final Narrative Report: Submit a consolidated report detailing:

• Number and completeness of case files procured.

• Sampling spread (districts, years, outcomes).

• Challenges encountered and mitigation strategies.

Duration & Compensation

• Duration: 1 month (based in Larkana)

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A registered law firm with at least 5 years of professional standing in Pakistan.
• Demonstrated experience in procuring and handling sensitive court records and legal documentation.
• Strong working knowledge of criminal law and sexual violence statutes (Criminal Law Amendments 2016, ARITA 2021, PPC, CrPC etc.).
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and handle survivor-sensitive data.
• Established network and access with District & Sessions Courts and Prosecution Departments in Punjab.

Required Documents for Application

• Firm profile including registration details.
• CVs of lead lawyers/consultants proposed for the assignment.
• Demonstrated evidence of similar assignments (procurement of case files, legal research, etc.).
• Technical proposal (methodology for case file acquisition).
• Financial proposal (costing for procurement, couriering, and reporting).