| Case ID |
14e64cdf-0e06-461e-bd73-b190996c1a80 |
| Body |
View case body. Login to View |
| Case Number |
Criminal Appeal No. 162 of 1980 |
| Decision Date |
Jul 02, 1986 |
| Hearing Date |
|
| Decision |
The Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed the appeals filed by the respondents, Muhammad Ramzan and Irfan, against their conviction and sentence under section 302/34 of the Penal Code. The Court upheld the High Court's decision which acquitted the respondents citing insufficient evidence and inconsistencies in the prosecution's case. The Court emphasized that the circumstantial evidence presented did not meet the high standard required to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The extra-judicial confessions attributed to the respondents were deemed unreliable due to lack of credibility and the circumstances under which they were made. The Court concluded that the prosecution failed to establish a compelling case against the respondents, leading to their acquittal. |
| Summary |
The case involves a tragic murder of an eight-year-old boy, Muhammad Raza, whose father, Syed Ahmad Hamdani, suspected two men, Muhammad Ramzan and his son Irfan, of committing the crime. The prosecution's case relied heavily on extra-judicial confessions and circumstantial evidence. However, the Supreme Court found the extra-judicial confessions to be unreliable due to the context in which they were made, and the circumstantial evidence failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The Court noted the importance of adhering to principles of safe administration of criminal justice, which necessitate a high standard of proof. Ultimately, the case highlights the challenges faced in criminal proceedings, particularly when relying on circumstantial evidence and confessions that may not withstand scrutiny. The decision reinforces the necessity for a rigorous examination of evidence in ensuring justice is served. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
MUHAMMAD HALEEM C.J.,
SHAFIUR RAHMAN,
S. A NUSRAT,
ALI HUSSAIN QAZILBASH,
MIAN BURHANUDDIN KHAN
|
| Lawyers |
Hafiz S.A. Rehman,
Imtiaz Muhammad Khan,
Sardar Ishaque Khan,
Akhtar Ali,
Ghulam Ahmad,
Sh. Ijaz Ali
|
| Petitioners |
SAEED AHMAD HAMDANI
|
| Respondents |
MUHAMMAD RAMZAN,
MUHAMMAD IRFAN
|
| Citations |
1986 SLD 1141,
1986 PLD 690
|
| Other Citations |
Not available
|
| Laws Involved |
Constitution of Pakistan (1973),
Penal Code (XLV of 1860),
Criminal Procedure Code (V of 1898),
Evidence Act (I of 1872)
|
| Sections |
Art. 185 (3),
S. 302/34,
S. 304/34,
S. 164,
S. 103,
S. 3
|