Legal Case Summary

Case Details
Case ID 324f407e-0cff-4f18-b3fd-b309ad6454bd
Body View case body.
Case Number K-69 of 1972
Decision Date Sep 05, 1973
Hearing Date
Decision The Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed the petition for special leave to appeal, emphasizing that being formally charged does not equate to a conviction. The court noted that the petitioner, Shaikh Muhammad Yamin, was charged under the Customs Act following the discovery of cannabis resin in a shipment, but there was insufficient evidence to link him directly to the crime. The court highlighted that the presence of some evidence against the petitioner precluded interference at this stage, reinforcing the principle that a defendant has the right to prepare a defense against the allegations made. The court maintained that unless compelling evidence emerges to substantiate the charges, the petitioner should not fear the proceedings.
Summary The case revolves around a criminal petition for special leave to appeal filed by Shaikh Muhammad Yamin against the State. The central issue involved the legality of the charges brought against him under the Customs Act, following the discovery of cannabis resin in a shipment. The Supreme Court examined the procedural aspects of the case, focusing on the evidentiary standards required to uphold the charges. The court concluded that while there was some evidence suggesting involvement, it was not sufficient to justify a conviction. This ruling underscores the importance of credible evidence in criminal proceedings and protects the rights of the accused, ensuring that charges are not merely based on circumstantial evidence or assumptions. The decision reflects a commitment to upholding justice and a fair trial, highlighting the role of the judiciary in safeguarding individual rights against unfounded allegations. Keywords: criminal law, Supreme Court, Customs Act, cannabis resin, legal proceedings, fair trial, evidence standards.
Court Supreme Court of Pakistan
Entities Involved Not available
Judges HAMOODUR RAHMAN, C.J., MUHAMMAD GUL, J
Lawyers Mohammad Hayat Junejo, Senior Advocate Supreme Court, M. Fesh-ud-Din Ahmad, Advocate Supreme Court, A. Aziz Dastgir, Advocate-on-Record
Petitioners Shaikh MUHAMMAD YAMIN
Respondents THE STATE
Citations 1973 SLD 193, 1973 SCMR 622
Other Citations Not available
Laws Involved Criminal Procedure Code (V of 1898), Customs Act
Sections 561-A, 19, 167 (37-A)