| Case ID |
1ad337aa-5e39-43d9-a0ab-1328e7c29581 |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Criminal Petition for Leave to Appeal No. 295 L of |
| Decision Date |
Mar 30, 1994 |
| Hearing Date |
|
| Decision |
The Supreme Court granted leave to appeal to examine the contention that the eyewitness testimony was unreliable in significant aspects, which led to the conviction of the accused without independent corroboration. The petitioner was previously convicted of murder and attempted murder, resulting in a death sentence that was later reduced to life imprisonment by the High Court. The court considered the reliability of the eyewitnesses and the circumstances surrounding the case before deciding to allow the appeal for further examination. |
| Summary |
In the case of Sohail Ahmed vs. The State, the Supreme Court of Pakistan addressed serious concerns regarding the reliability of eyewitness testimony in a murder conviction. The petitioner, convicted under sections 302 and 307 of the Penal Code, argued that the courts below had found the eyewitnesses unreliable in key aspects, which necessitated independent verification not present in the case. The Supreme Court's decision to grant leave to appeal underscores the importance of corroborative evidence in criminal convictions, particularly in serious allegations like murder. The case highlights the judicial scrutiny required in upholding convictions based solely on eyewitness accounts, which can often be flawed or biased. The court's ruling emphasizes the protection of rights under the Constitution of Pakistan, ensuring that justice is served based on solid, corroborated evidence rather than potentially unreliable testimonies. This case is particularly relevant for legal practitioners and scholars focused on criminal law, evidentiary standards, and constitutional rights, making it a significant reference point in discussions about the integrity of judicial processes in Pakistan. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
SAAD SAOOD JAN,
MUHAMMAD RAFIQ TARAR,
MANZOOR HUSSAIN SIAL
|
| Lawyers |
Dr. Khalid Ranjha, Advocate Supreme Court,
Tanvir Ahmed, Advocate on-Record,
Abdus Sattar Chughtai, Advocate Supreme Court,
S. Abul Aasim Jaferi, Advocate on-Record for the State
|
| Petitioners |
SOHAIL AHMED
|
| Respondents |
THE STATE
|
| Citations |
1995 SLD 720,
1995 SCMR 847
|
| Other Citations |
Not available
|
| Laws Involved |
Penal Code (XLV of 1860),
Constitution of Pakistan (1973)
|
| Sections |
302,
34,
307,
185(3)
|