| Case ID |
43a6773b-3da8-4d2c-9c72-1143450c8faf |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Criminal Petition No. 161 of 1999 |
| Decision Date |
Jan 02, 2002 |
| Hearing Date |
|
| Decision |
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition against the acquittal of the respondents in a murder case, affirming the lower court's findings that the prosecution failed to establish a solid case against them. The court emphasized the principle that in cases of acquittal, the burden is on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and in this instance, the circumstantial evidence presented did not meet that standard. The court also noted that the motives alleged were not sufficiently substantiated, leading to the conclusion that the acquittal was legally sound. |
| Summary |
In the case of Criminal Petition No. 161 of 1999, the Supreme Court of Pakistan addressed an appeal against the acquittal of several respondents accused of murder. The court highlighted critical legal principles surrounding appeals against acquittals, particularly the necessity for the prosecution to provide compelling evidence that leaves no reasonable doubt regarding the accused's guilt. The case revolved around circumstantial evidence with significant gaps, leading the lower courts to determine that the respondents were entitled to the benefit of the doubt. The decision underscored the importance of thorough investigation and reliable witness testimony in criminal proceedings, reiterating that mere suspicion is not sufficient for conviction. This case is significant for legal professionals as it clarifies the standards for circumstantial evidence and the implications of acquittal in criminal law. Keywords such as 'criminal law', 'acquittal', 'circumstantial evidence', and 'Supreme Court of Pakistan' are essential for understanding the nuances of this case and its broader legal implications. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
Muhammad Bashir Jehangiri,
Munir A. Sheikh,
Rana Bhagwandas
|
| Lawyers |
Syed Zafar Abbas Naqvi,
M.A. Zaidi
|
| Petitioners |
Munawar Shah
|
| Respondents |
Liaquat Hussain,
Mst. Sughran Bibi,
Mst. Azhra,
Tanveer Shah,
Mst. Shaheen Bibi
|
| Citations |
2002 SLD 1229,
2002 SCMR 713
|
| Other Citations |
Muhammad Ijaz Ahmad v. Raja Fahim Afzal and 2 others 1998 SCMR 1281,
Allah Ditta v. The State (PLD 1958 SC (Pak.) 290,
Muhammad Iqbal v. The State 1984 SCMR 930,
Allah Din and another v. The State 1976 PCr.L.J 249,
Ghulam Sikandar and another v. Mamaraz Khan and others PLD 1985 SC 11
|
| Laws Involved |
Criminal Procedure Code (V of 1898),
Penal Code (XLV of 1860),
Constitution of Pakistan (1973)
|
| Sections |
417,
302,
201,
149,
185(3),
184(3)
|