| Case ID |
2c7b18e5-d0e9-4649-a706-85a04f45a21a |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Criminal Appeal No. 48 of 1982 |
| Decision Date |
Mar 25, 1986 |
| Hearing Date |
Mar 25, 1986 |
| Decision |
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, affirming the acquittal of the respondents. The court found that the High Court's conclusions regarding the absence of a clear motive for the murder and the discrepancies in eyewitness accounts were not unreasonable. The court emphasized the importance of safe administration of criminal justice, stating that the acquittal did not violate any legal principles. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, and the acquitted respondent, Maqsood Ahmad, was ordered to be released unless detained for other reasons. |
| Summary |
In the landmark case of Criminal Appeal No. 48 of 1982, the Supreme Court of Pakistan evaluated the acquittal of two individuals, Sultan Mahmood and Maqsood Ahmad, accused of the murder of Muhammad Bashir. The case revolved around the events of May 25, 1978, when the deceased was attacked, leading to his death. The trial court initially convicted the respondents based on the testimonies of eyewitnesses and the established motive. However, upon appeal, the Lahore High Court found inconsistencies in witness statements and questioned the reliability of the evidence presented, leading to the acquittal of the accused. The Supreme Court upheld this decision, emphasizing the need for a thorough and fair appraisal of evidence in criminal cases, thereby reinforcing principles vital for the administration of justice. This case highlights critical aspects of criminal law, including the significance of motive, eyewitness reliability, and the judiciary's role in ensuring justice. Keywords: Supreme Court of Pakistan, criminal law, murder case, acquittal, eyewitness testimony, justice administration. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Rawalpindi Municipality,
Police Station B Division, Rawalpindi
|
| Judges |
NASIM HASAN SHAH,
SHAFIUR RAHMAN,
MIAN BURHANUDDIN KHAN
|
| Lawyers |
Tariq Azam, Advocate Supreme Court,
Ch. Akhtar Ali, Advocate-on-Record,
Sardar M. Ishaq Khan, Advocate Supreme Court,
M.A. Siddiqui, Advocate-on-Record,
M. Bilal, Advocate Supreme Court,
Rao M. Yousaf Khan, Advocate-on-Record
|
| Petitioners |
Haji SARDAR KHAN
|
| Respondents |
SULTAN MAHMOOD,
Maqsood Ahmad
|
| Citations |
1986 SLD 747,
1986 SCMR 1150
|
| Other Citations |
Ahmad v. Crown P L D 1951 F C 107
|
| Laws Involved |
Constitution of Pakistan (1973),
Penal Code (XLV of 1860)
|
| Sections |
Art. 185(3),
S. 302,
S. 34
|