| Case ID |
168752d9-70f0-4537-a7d0-44af0d93b5fb |
| Body |
View case body. Login to View |
| Case Number |
Criminal Appeal No. 146 of 1969 |
| Decision Date |
Oct 18, 1973 |
| Hearing Date |
|
| Decision |
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal against Muhammad Yusuf, the remaining respondent in the case, affirming the High Court's decision to acquit him due to lack of evidence linking him directly to the murder of Ata Ullah. The Court found that the eyewitness accounts were inconsistent and unreliable, with significant discrepancies in their testimonies. Furthermore, it was noted that there was no blood found at the scene, and the actions and motives attributed to Muhammad Yusuf were not substantiated. The Court concluded that the High Court acted reasonably in giving the benefit of the doubt to the accused and found no grounds to interfere with the acquittal. |
| Summary |
The case revolves around a murder trial where the primary accused, Muhammad Shafi, and his son, Muhammad Yusuf, were implicated in the murder of Ata Ullah, stemming from a financial dispute. The Supreme Court examined the evidence presented, particularly the testimonies of eyewitnesses, which were found to be inconsistent and unreliable. The Court underscored the absence of blood at the crime scene and noted that the prosecution failed to provide a clear timeline or manner of the alleged crime. The Court ultimately upheld the High Court's acquittal of both accused, emphasizing the principle of 'benefit of the doubt' in criminal proceedings. The decision highlighted the importance of credible evidence and the judicial responsibility to ensure fair trials, especially in cases involving serious charges like murder. This case serves as a significant reference point in understanding the standards of evidence required in criminal law and the judicial process in Pakistan. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
HAMOODUR RAHMAN, C.J.,
WAHEEDUDDIN AHMAD,
SALAHUDDIN AHMED
|
| Lawyers |
Bashir Zafar, Advocate Supreme Court instructed by Rana Maqbul Ahmad Qadri, Advocate-on-Record for Appellant,
Alian Qurban Sadiq, Advocate Supreme Court instructed by Sh. Abdul Karim, Advocate-on-Record for Respondents Nos. 1 and 2,
Malik Muhammad Jafar, Advocate Supreme Court instructed by Sh. Ijaz Ali, Advocate-on-Record for the State
|
| Petitioners |
Inayatullah
|
| Respondents |
2 OTHERS,
MUHAMMAD Shafi
|
| Citations |
1974 SLD 218,
1974 SCMR 419
|
| Other Citations |
Not available
|
| Laws Involved |
Penal Code (XLV of 1860)
|
| Sections |
302/34
|