Legal Case Summary

Case Details
Case ID 3cdf3f40-170d-4992-b4a8-6d6012b3fab0
Body View case body.
Case Number Crl. A. No. 139 of 2022
Decision Date Oct 25, 2022
Hearing Date Oct 25, 2022
Decision The appeal was allowed, and the conviction and sentence awarded by the trial Court and upheld by the High Court were set aside. The appellant, Javed Iqbal, was acquitted of the charge by extending the benefit of doubt to him. The prosecution failed to prove its case against the appellant beyond reasonable doubt, and thus, he should be released forthwith unless required to be detained in connection with any other case.
Summary In the case of Javed Iqbal vs. State, the Supreme Court of Pakistan addressed significant issues under the Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 1997, particularly focusing on the implications of confessional statements. The court emphasized that confessions must be read as a whole and not selectively. The prosecution's failure to establish a reliable chain of evidence led to the appellant's acquittal. The case highlighted the importance of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, especially in narcotics-related offenses, where the burden lies heavily on the prosecution. The decision sets a precedent for future cases regarding confessions and the standard of evidence required in criminal prosecutions. Key terms include 'narcotics law', 'confession validity', and 'criminal procedure'.
Court Supreme Court of Pakistan
Entities Involved Not available
Judges Sardar Tariq Masood, Amin-Ud-Din Khan, Muhammad Ali Mazhar
Lawyers Mr. Arshad Hussain Shah, Syed Rifaqat Hussain Shah, Mian Shafaqat Jan
Petitioners Javed Iqbal
Respondents State
Citations 2023 SLD 2471, 2023 PLJ 21
Other Citations 2021 SCMR 363, 2019 SCMR 1300, 2018 SCMR 2039, 2015 SCMR 1002, 2012 SCMR 577, PLD 1994 SC 879, 2009 SCMR 736
Laws Involved Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 1997, Criminal Procedure Code, 1898
Sections 9, 342, 164