| Case ID |
0c1b8311-a53c-45e1-a6a6-56988d1fa5fc |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Criminal Appeal No. 75-L of 2021 |
| Decision Date |
Nov 15, 2022 |
| Hearing Date |
Nov 15, 2022 |
| Decision |
The Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed the appeal filed by Amanullah, upholding his conviction under section 302(b) of the Penal Code. The court found the prosecution's evidence, including ocular and medical testimonies, to be reliable and consistent, thereby sustaining the life imprisonment sentence. The court also rejected the appellant's arguments regarding delays in the FIR and postmortem procedures, emphasizing the credibility of the witnesses and the corroborative medical evidence presented. Consequently, the decision of the Lahore High Court, which had altered the sentence from death to life imprisonment, was affirmed. |
| Summary |
In the landmark decision of Criminal Appeal No. 75-L of 2021, the Supreme Court of Pakistan delivered a pivotal ruling on November 15, 2022, affirming the conviction of Amanullah under section 302(b) of the Penal Code (XLV of 1860). The case, cited as 2023 SLD 562 and 2023 SCMR 277, revolved around the murder of Din Muhammad, brother of the complainant, which took place on May 31, 2011. The appellant, Amanullah, faced severe allegations backed by compelling ocular and medical evidence presented during the trial. The prosecution established a strong case, highlighting the immediate filing of the FIR and the consistency of witness testimonies despite non-residency in the incident locale. The Supreme Court meticulously evaluated the defense's claims regarding delayed FIR lodgment and postmortem procedures but found them unsubstantiated, emphasizing the plausibility of witness presence and the reliability of forensic findings. The judges, Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Munib Akhtar, and Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, underscored the absence of credible evidence to overturn the High Court's lenient modification from a death sentence to life imprisonment. The defense's contention of witness bias and procedural delays was deftly countered by the court's thorough examination of the testimony's integrity and the medical report's corroborative role. This decision reinforces the judiciary's stance on upholding convictions based on robust evidence and underscores the commitment to justice in criminal proceedings. The involvement of esteemed legal representatives, including Advocate Sheikh Sakhawat Ali for the appellant and Mirza Muhammad Usman for the state, highlighted the case's complexity and the rigorous legal standards applied. The ruling not only serves as a precedent for future criminal appeals but also emphasizes the importance of timely reporting and accurate forensic analysis in securing convictions. As the case progresses, its implications on Pakistan's legal landscape, particularly concerning murder charges and appellate reviews, are profound. The Supreme Court's affirmation of life imprisonment in lieu of a death sentence reflects a balanced approach to punitive measures, ensuring that justice is served while considering mitigating factors presented during the trial. This case also sheds light on the procedural aspects of criminal law, including the critical evaluation of witness credibility and the weight of medical evidence in judicial decisions. The comprehensive summary of the case illustrates the intricate interplay between prosecution and defense, the role of forensic science in legal judgments, and the unwavering pursuit of truth within the Pakistani judicial system. Keywords such as 'Supreme Court of Pakistan', 'criminal appeal', 'murder conviction', 'Penal Code 302(b)', 'ocular evidence', 'medical evidence', 'life imprisonment', and 'judicial decision' are pivotal in understanding the case's essence and its relevance in contemporary legal discourse. This detailed analysis ensures that legal professionals, scholars, and the public grasp the multifaceted dimensions of the case, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rule of law and the mechanisms that safeguard justice. The case stands as a testament to the efficacy of Pakistan's judicial framework in addressing serious criminal offenses, promoting accountability, and reinforcing societal trust in the legal system. As legal trends evolve, this decision may influence future rulings, particularly in cases involving complex evidence and appellate challenges, thereby shaping the trajectory of criminal jurisprudence in the region. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
The STATE,
AMANULLAH,
Sheikh Sakhawat Ali,
Mirza Muhammad Usman,
Malik Muhammad Imtiaz Mahl,
IJAZ UL AHSAN,
MUNIB AKHTAR,
SAYYED MAZAHAR ALI AKBAR NAQVI
|
| Judges |
IJAZ UL AHSAN,
MUNIB AKHTAR,
SAYYED MAZAHAR ALI AKBAR NAQVI
|
| Lawyers |
Sheikh Sakhawat Ali, Advocate Supreme Court,
Mirza Muhammad Usman, D.P.G.,
Malik Muhammad Imtiaz Mahl, Advocate Supreme Court
|
| Petitioners |
AMANULLAH
|
| Respondents |
The STATE and another
|
| Citations |
2023 SLD 562,
2023 SCMR 277
|
| Other Citations |
Not available
|
| Laws Involved |
Penal Code (XLV of 1860)
|
| Sections |
302(b)
|