05/01/2023
PLJ 2022 Cr.C. 492 (DB)
صرف اس ایک ہی فیصلہ کو مکمل طور پر پڑھ اور سمجھ لیا جائے تو نئے وکلا بھی منشیات کے مقدمات کاٹرائلAaA آسانی سے کرا سکتے ہیں۔
پراسیکیوٹرز اور تفتیشی افسران کو بھی یہ فیصلہ ضرور پڑھنا چاہیے تاکہ وہ نقائص دور کیے جا سکیں جو منشیات کے مقدمات میں ملزمان کی بریت کا سبب بنتے ہیں
Acquittal of drug paddlers due to defective investigation and poor prosecution is matter of great concern. Guidelines provided for maintaining chain of safe custody.
PLJ 2022 Cr.C. 492 (DB)
[Lahore High Court, Multan Bench]
Present: Ali Zia Bajwa and Muhammad Shan Gul, JJ.
NADEEM AKHTAR--Appellant
versus
STATE and another--Respondents
Crl. A. No. 94 of 2017, heard on 13.10.2021
Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 (XXV of 1997)--
----S. 9(c)--Safe custody--Acquittal of--50 small packets containing he**in total 11 grams were recovered from his pocket--Upon further search of accused chemical in shape of powder (of he**in origin) total 3-KGs and 970 grams (P-5) was also recovered--Chain of safe custody has not been indubitably established by prosecution--Case carrying harder sentence must be proved through credible and persuasive evidence and transparent process in order to rule out possibility of any error--A single circumstance creating reasonable doubt would be sufficient to smash veracity of prosecution case--Conviction and sentence recorded by trial Court are set aside and appellant is acquitted of charge.
[Pp. 496, 497 & 499] A, B, C, D & E
2021 SCMR 451; 2021 SCMR 363; 2019 SCMR 2004; 2021 SCMR 49; PLD 2012 SC 380; 2009 SCMR 579; 2019 SCMR 1217 ref.
Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 (XXV of 1997)--
----S. 9(c)--Safe custody--Vital steps, which are obligatory to ensure conviction of an accused through maintaining chain of safe custody, are formulated hereinafter to ensure effective investigation