Legal Case Summary

Case Details
Case ID 22d5d8bf-5768-465c-bbc2-ac43a0978599
Body View case body.
Case Number Criminal Appeal No. 119 of 1980
Decision Date Dec 20, 1983
Hearing Date Dec 20, 1983
Decision The Supreme Court of Pakistan reviewed the case of Jogindar Masih, convicted for the murder of Mst. Sughra Bibi and initially sentenced to death. The court found that the evidence presented, including eyewitness accounts and the recovery of the murder weapon, firmly established the appellant's guilt. However, considering the circumstances surrounding the case, particularly the long-term relationship between the appellant and the deceased and the nature of the altercation leading to the murder, the court decided to reduce the sentence from death to imprisonment for life, deeming this a more just outcome. The appeal was ultimately dismissed with the modified sentence.
Summary In the case of Jogindar Masih v. The State, the Supreme Court of Pakistan addressed the complexities of a murder conviction stemming from a tumultuous relationship. The appellant, Jogindar Masih, was accused of murdering Mst. Sughra Bibi, a married woman who had eloped with him. The court examined the evidence, which included testimony from eyewitnesses who witnessed the fatal altercation. The appellant admitted to the incident but claimed others were responsible. Ultimately, the court found the prosecution's case compelling but recognized the mitigating factors surrounding the relationship and the events leading to the murder. This case highlights themes of domestic conflict, legal culpability, and the nuances of justice in cases involving personal relationships. The decision to alter the sentence reflects a judicial approach that balances accountability with compassion, a critical consideration in the realm of criminal law. Keywords such as 'murder conviction', 'domestic relationships', and 'Supreme Court of Pakistan' are integral to understanding the legal context and implications of this case.
Court Supreme Court of Pakistan
Entities Involved Not available
Judges ASLAM RIAZ HUSSAIN, NASIM HASSAN SHAH, ABDUL KADIR SHAIKH, ZAFFAR HUSSAIN MIRZA
Lawyers Kowkab Iqbal, Ejaz Ahmad Khan
Petitioners JOGINDAR MASIH
Respondents THE STATE
Citations 1984 SLD 528, 1984 SCMR 469
Other Citations Not available
Laws Involved Constitution of Pakistan (1973), Penal Code (XLV of 1860)
Sections Art. 185(3), S. 302