| Case ID |
2bf531c9-c845-4344-a8ce-1428c2cd382c |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Crl. P. Nos. 742-L and 629-L of 2019 |
| Decision Date |
Jan 21, 2021 |
| Hearing Date |
Jan 21, 2021 |
| Decision |
The Supreme Court of Pakistan overturned the conviction of Muhammad Idrees, previously sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Saif Ullah. The court found significant contradictions between the ocular and medical evidence presented. The testimony of the medical doctor raised doubts about the presence of eye-witnesses at the crime scene, leading to the conclusion that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, the court acquitted Muhammad Idrees and set aside the previous conviction and sentence, ordering his immediate release unless required in other cases. In contrast, the petition challenging the acquittal of Muhammad Saleem was dismissed due to insufficient evidence against him as well. |
| Summary |
This case revolves around the acquittal of Muhammad Idrees, who was previously convicted for murder under the Pakistan Penal Code. The Supreme Court's ruling highlighted the importance of reliable evidence and the role of the court in assessing the credibility of witness testimonies. The judgment underscored that the police's opinion on guilt is not admissible in court, reinforcing the principle that only the judiciary can determine guilt or innocence. The case illustrates the complexities of criminal proceedings and the necessity for thorough investigations. By focusing on the discrepancies between witness accounts and medical reports, the court upheld the standards of justice, ensuring that no individual is wrongfully convicted without substantial proof. Keywords such as 'murder acquittal', 'Supreme Court Pakistan', 'criminal justice', 'Pakistan Penal Code', and 'evidence in court' are emphasized for SEO optimization, given their relevance and search frequency in legal discourse. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
MANZOOR AHMAD MALIK,
SYED MANSOOR ALI SHAH,
MUHAMMAD IDREES
|
| Lawyers |
Mr. Mazhar Iqbal Sidhu, ASC for Petitioners (in Criminal Petition No. 742-L of 2019),
Mr. Umar Hayat Bhatti, ASC for Petitioners (in Criminal Petition No. 629-L of 2019),
Mr. Umar Hayat Bhatti, ASC for Complainant (in Criminal Petition No. 742-L of 2019),
M. Amjad Rafiq, Additional P.G. for State
|
| Petitioners |
Muhammad Idrees
|
| Respondents |
State,
Others
|
| Citations |
2021 SLD 2231,
2021 PLJ 216
|
| Other Citations |
PLD 2006 SC 316,
2010 SCMR 660,
PLD 2011 SC 350
|
| Laws Involved |
Pakistan Penal Code, 1860,
Criminal Procedure Code (V of 1898)
|
| Sections |
302(b),
109,
34,
172,
4(L),
169,
170,
173
|