| Case ID |
2df4a2d6-9885-4418-8437-36ba1c2d28d2 |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Criminal Petition No.887-L of 2013 |
| Decision Date |
Apr 17, 2024 |
| Hearing Date |
Apr 17, 2024 |
| Decision |
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition for leave to appeal against the acquittal of the respondent. The court found that the prosecution failed to establish the guilt of the respondent beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence presented was primarily from interested witnesses, and significant contradictions were noted in their testimonies. The absence of corroborating independent evidence further weakened the prosecution's case, leading to the conclusion that the acquittal by the Lahore High Court was justified. The court emphasized the importance of forensic evidence and proper investigative procedures in criminal trials. |
| Summary |
This case revolves around a criminal petition challenging the acquittal of the respondent in a murder trial. The Supreme Court examined the evidence presented, focusing on the credibility of witness testimonies, which were largely from individuals related to the deceased. The court identified multiple contradictions in the accounts provided by the witnesses, raising doubts about their reliability. Moreover, the prosecution's failure to produce forensic evidence regarding the weapon used in the crime, along with the unexplained presence of the witnesses at the crime scene, led to the conclusion that the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof required for a conviction. The court highlighted the necessity of independent corroborating evidence in cases involving interested witnesses, reinforcing the principle that capital punishment cannot be based solely on uncorroborated testimonies. The decision emphasizes the significance of thorough investigations and the use of forensic science in ensuring justice in the criminal justice system. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
MUHAMMAD ALI MAZHAR,
AYESHA A. MALIK,
IRFAN SAADAT KHAN
|
| Lawyers |
Malik Saleem Iqbal Awan,
Khurram Khan
|
| Petitioners |
MUHAMMAD RAMZAN
|
| Respondents |
ANOTHER,
KHIZAR HAYAT
|
| Citations |
2024 SLD 2963,
2024 SCMR 1085
|
| Other Citations |
Nur Muhammad v. Falak Sher PLD 1976 SC 607,
Ali Ahmed v. The State PLD 1962 SC 102,
Dalmir v. The State 1970 SCMR 840,
Muhammad Sharif v. Tahirur Rehman 1972 SCMR 144,
Hazratullah v. The State 1969 PCr.LJ 138,
Nazir v. The State PLD 1962 SC 269,
Chamkaur Singh v. State of Punjab (20.02.2017 - PHHC): MANU/PH/0266/2017,
Dharam Deo Yadav v. State of U.P. [(2014) 5 SCC 509],
Ali Haider v. Jameel Hussain PLD 2021 SC 362
|
| Laws Involved |
Penal Code (XLV of 1860)
|
| Sections |
302(b)
|