Legal Case Summary

Case Details
Case ID 67cda585-b18d-4728-b507-1a65279a7313
Body View case body.
Case Number Criminal Appeal No. 38-L of 2009
Decision Date May 08, 2017
Hearing Date May 08, 2017
Decision The Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed the appeal filed by Saif Ullah against the judgment of the Lahore High Court which had maintained his conviction for murder and attempted murder under the Pakistan Penal Code. The court found that the ocular evidence was corroborated by medical evidence, justifying the conviction. However, the death sentence was converted to life imprisonment, citing lack of deep-rooted enmity and mitigating circumstances surrounding the case. The court upheld the compensation amount ordered by the trial court while modifying the default imprisonment for non-payment of compensation. The court emphasized the need for proper representation in legal proceedings.
Summary In the case of Saif Ullah vs The STATE, the Supreme Court of Pakistan reviewed the conviction of Saif Ullah for murder and attempted murder under the Pakistan Penal Code. The judgment dated 16.01.2007 from the Lahore High Court was challenged on grounds of inadequate legal representation and procedural unfairness. The Supreme Court noted that while the conviction was justified due to supporting evidence, the death penalty was deemed excessive given the absence of deep-rooted enmity between the parties. The court modified the sentence to life imprisonment, maintaining the compensation order. This case highlights the importance of fair trial standards and the right to adequate legal counsel in serious criminal matters. Legal professionals and advocates should take note of this decision as it underscores the implications of procedural fairness in the judicial system.
Court Supreme Court of Pakistan
Entities Involved The STATE, Muhammad Arif, Saif Ullah
Judges MANZOOR AHMAD MALIK, SARDAR TARIQ MASOOD, MAZHAR ALAM KHAN MIANKHEL
Lawyers Syed Zahid Hussain Bukhari, Mazhar Sher Awan, Syed Nisar Ali Shah, Mrs. Tasnim Amin
Petitioners Saif Ullah
Respondents The STATE
Citations 2017 SLD 1837, 2017 SCMR 2041
Other Citations Not available
Laws Involved Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
Sections 34, 302(b), 324