| Case ID |
39f8f7a7-4fec-4911-96ac-8f5202c1fc80 |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Criminal Appeal No. 37 of 1957 |
| Decision Date |
Oct 10, 1957 |
| Hearing Date |
Oct 10, 1957 |
| Decision |
The Supreme Court acquitted the appellants Muhammad Aslam and Boota after a thorough examination of the evidence presented. The Court noted that the prosecution's case relied heavily on the strained relations between the parties, which raised concerns about the reliability of the eyewitness accounts. The judges emphasized that abscondence, while indicative of potential guilt, could also be a response of an innocent person trying to avoid wrongful implications. The Court found that there was insufficient corroborative evidence to support the convictions of the appellants, especially in light of the acquittal of other defendants under similar circumstances. The decision underscored the need for careful scrutiny of evidence in cases involving strained familial or social relationships, ultimately leading to the conclusion that the ocular evidence was not sufficiently corroborated to uphold the convictions. |
| Summary |
This case revolves around the appeal of Muhammad Aslam and Boota against their conviction for murder under sections 302 and 149 of the Penal Code. The Supreme Court of Pakistan examined the evidence, particularly focusing on the relations between the complainant and the accused, which were notably strained. The Court highlighted the significance of corroborative evidence in ensuring a fair trial, particularly in situations where the accused may be falsely implicated. The judgment emphasized the importance of not solely relying on abscondence as an indicator of guilt, as it could also reflect an innocent person's fear of wrongful accusations. Ultimately, the Court found the evidence insufficient to maintain the convictions of the appellants, leading to their acquittal. This case illustrates crucial aspects of criminal law, evidentiary standards, and the rights of individuals facing serious charges, reinforcing the principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The ruling serves as a reminder of the judicial system's obligation to ensure that justice prevails, particularly in cases fraught with personal relationships. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
M. SHAHABUDDIN,
A. R. CORNELIUS,
MUHAMMAD SHARIF,
AMIRUDDIN AHMAD
|
| Lawyers |
Tasaddaque Hussain, Senior Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan,
Hamiduddin, Advocate Supreme Court,
Faiz Muhammad, Advocate-General West Pakistan,
Abdul Qayyum, Advocate Supreme Court
|
| Petitioners |
MUHAMMAD ASLAM,
BOOTAA
|
| Respondents |
THE STATE
|
| Citations |
1969 SLD 137 = 1969 SCMR 383
|
| Other Citations |
Not available
|
| Laws Involved |
Penal Code (XLV of 1860),
Evidence Act I of 1872
|
| Sections |
302,
8
|