| Case ID |
0bb98e6d-a36f-4e60-b027-cba50c824385 |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Criminal Appeals Nos. 197314, 135870, Criminal Rev |
| Decision Date |
Nov 29, 2021 |
| Hearing Date |
Nov 29, 2021 |
| Decision |
The court allowed the appeal against conviction, concluding that the prosecution failed to prove its case against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. The judgment emphasized the importance of credible eyewitness testimony and the significance of the benefit of doubt in criminal trials. The court found that the eyewitnesses were related and their testimony was not reliable. Furthermore, discrepancies in the timing of the post-mortem examination and the police investigation raised doubts about the integrity of the prosecution's case. In light of these factors, the court acquitted the accused, underscoring the principle that it is better to acquit a guilty person than to convict an innocent one. |
| Summary |
This case revolves around the appeals filed by Muhammad Aslam, Adnan alias Chitta, and Qasim Ali against their convictions for murder and robbery under the Penal Code. The Lahore High Court, presided over by Justices Sardar Ahmad Naeem and Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, heard the case on November 29, 2021. The court scrutinized the evidence presented, particularly the testimonies of the eyewitnesses, which raised significant doubts regarding their credibility. The prosecution's inability to establish a clear timeline and the relationship of the witnesses to the complainant contributed to the court's decision to allow the appeal. This case highlights the critical legal principle of benefit of doubt, reinforcing that in criminal law, the prosecution must meet a high burden of proof to secure a conviction. Ultimately, the court's ruling reflects a commitment to justice and the protection of individual rights within the legal system. |
| Court |
Lahore High Court
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
Sardar Ahmad Naeem,
Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi
|
| Lawyers |
Ms. Sheeba Qaisar,
ia, Deputy Prosecutor General for the State,
Muhammad Ajmal Adil,
Ch. Muhammad Wasif Shahzad
|
| Petitioners |
Muhammad Aslam,
Qasim Ali,
Adnan alias Chitta
|
| Respondents |
The State
|
| Citations |
2022 SLD 3251,
2022 PCRLJ 1615
|
| Other Citations |
Jehangir v. Nazar Farid and another 2002 SCMR 1986,
Israr Ali v. The State 2007 SCMR 525,
Ali Sher and others v. The State 2008 SCMR 707,
Ayub Masih v. The State PLD 2002 SC 1048
|
| Laws Involved |
Penal Code (XLV of 1860),
Qanun-e-Shahadat (10 of 1984)
|
| Sections |
302(b),
393,
34,
22
|