Taking a stern view of the police's violent crackdown during protests against President Pervez Musharraf [Images], Pakistan's Chief Justice Iftikhar M Chaudhry on Monday ordered the suspension and arrest of top police and administration officials.

Chaudhry, who took suo motu cognisance of Saturday's police action that left dozens of lawyers and mediapersons injured, directed that immediate action be taken against those responsible for the incidents. Over 80 people were wounded after police used batons and tear gas to disperse the protesters opposing Musharraf's re-election bid.

"This is a very serious matter...the civil administration is not doing any service to the people," said Chaudhry, who became a rallying point for anti-Musharraf forces after he was suspended by the General in March. He was reinstated by the apex court in July following mass protests spearheaded by lawyers.

Interior Secretary Kamal Shah, who was summoned by the Chief Justice, told the apex court that a high-powered committee has been constituted to probe the incidents. Chaudhry responded that Islamabad's Inspector General Marwah Shah, "should be suspended and arrested as he is responsible for whatever happened".

Chaudhry added that other top police and administration officials should also be suspended. The chief justice also watched the TV footage of the crackdown recorded by private channels.

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that Musharraf will be allowed to contest the election in his uniform.

The clashes had erupted outside the Election Commission on Saturday, a day after the body approved Musharraf's candidature for the October 6 presidential election.