The appeal hearing for former Regina Police Service (RPS) Chief Farooq Sheikh began Monday with an extended discussion over a proposed publication ban.

Sheikh was terminated with cause from his position as chief of RPS in October 2025 after an investigation found he engaged in “dishonourable conduct” with a former member of the city’s board of police commissioners.

Sheikh is appealing his termination.

At the first day of the hearing on Monday, members from media outlets were given an opportunity to review the publication ban request made by a third party.

Media outlets told the panel they were opposed to the ban stating that withholding any further information regarding the matter may block information of public interest.

A panel formed of representatives of the Saskatchewan Police Commission will be overseeing the appeal hearing.

As such, RPS stated it does not have a role in how Sheikh’s appeal unfolds.

“It’s the [Regina Board of Police of Commissioners] and obviously the Saskatchewan Police Commission. I would say any further information, you would have to go to the board to comment on and I’ll leave it at that,” Chief Lorilee Davies told reporters Monday morning.

“I mean, we’ll see what happens with the outcome.”

On Tuesday morning, the panel will announce its decision on whether the publication ban will be applied for the duration of the hearing.

The inquiry is expected to continue throughout the week and conclude by Sept. 24.