| Case ID |
211afdb2-58b7-4d77-aee7-ac1defa0f84b |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Crl. A. No. 194235-J of 2018 |
| Decision Date |
Jun 01, 2020 |
| Hearing Date |
Jun 01, 2020 |
| Decision |
The Lahore High Court overturned the conviction of Riaz son of Lal Din, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Muhammad Ameen. The court found significant flaws in the prosecution's case, including the lack of credible eye-witnesses, the absence of a clear motive, and inconsistencies in the evidence presented. The court emphasized the principle that in cases of doubt, the benefit must be given to the accused. The prosecution's failure to establish a reliable account of the events led to the conclusion that the conviction could not stand. Consequently, Riaz was acquitted and released. |
| Summary |
In the case of Riaz vs. State, the Lahore High Court examined the conviction of Riaz under Section 302(b) of the Pakistan Penal Code for the murder of Muhammad Ameen. The case raised significant legal questions regarding the reliability of witness testimonies, procedural integrity in the collection of evidence, and the burden of proof required in criminal cases. The court found that the witnesses were 'chance witnesses' with no credible basis for their accounts, and the prosecution failed to establish a clear motive for the crime. The judgment highlighted the importance of adhering to legal principles that protect the rights of the accused, particularly the principle of benefit of the doubt. This case serves as a crucial reference for future criminal proceedings, emphasizing the necessity for robust evidence and credible witness testimonies in securing convictions. It reflects the ongoing discourse on justice and legal integrity within Pakistan's judicial system, reinforcing the notion that the law must protect the innocent above all. Keywords: Lahore High Court, Pakistan Penal Code, acquittal, criminal law, justice system. |
| Court |
Lahore High Court
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
SHEHRAM SARWAR CH.,
SADIQ MAHMUD KHURRAM, JJ.
|
| Lawyers |
Khawaja Umaiz, Advocate,
Mr. Tariq Javaid
|
| Petitioners |
RIAZ
|
| Respondents |
STATE
|
| Citations |
2022 SLD 2010,
2022 PLJ 896
|
| Other Citations |
2014 SCMR 1698,
2017 SCMR 622,
2017 SCMR 724,
2017 SCMR 135,
2017 SCMR 564,
2012 SCMR 327,
2019 SCMR 956,
2019 SCMR 1068,
2017 SCMR 596,
2018 SCMR 772,
2009 SCMR 230
|
| Laws Involved |
Pakistan Penal Code, 1860,
Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984
|
| Sections |
302(b),
129
|