IN THE HIGH COURT OF SINDH, AT KARACHI
Criminal Jail Appeal No. 31 of 2019
Appellant: Jahanzaib
through Mr. Salahuddin Chandio advocate
The State: Through
Mr. Faheem Hussain Panhwar, Deputy Prosecutor General Sindh
Date of hearing: 25.08.2022
Date of judgment: 25.08.2022
J U D G M E N T
IRSHAD ALI SHAH,
J-
It is alleged that the appellant kidnapped baby Mehak aged about 09 years for
that he was booked and reported upon. After trial, he was convicted for an
offence punishable under Section 363 PPC and was sentenced to undergo rigorous
imprisonment for 07 years with fine of Rs.50,000/- and in default whereof to
undergo imprisonment for 04 months with benefit of section 382-B Cr.P.C by learned
VIII-Additional Sessions Judge, Karachi West, vide judgment dated 06.12.2018,
which is impugned by the appellant before this Court by preferring the instant
appeal from jail.
2. At the very outset, it is stated by
learned counsel for the appellant that he would not press the disposal of
instant appeal on merit, if the sentence awarded to the appellant is reduced to
one which he has already undergone, which is not opposed seriously by learned
DPG for the state.
3. Heard arguments and perused the record.
4. The FIR of the incident has been lodged
with delay of about 01 day such delay having not been explained plausibly could
not be overlooked; the appellant has not been provided a counsel at trial on state
expenses to defend his case and by such omission he obviously has been denied
right of fair trial, which is guaranteed under Article 10-A of the Constitution
of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973; neither the medical officer, who has
medically examined baby Mehak nor the Magistrate, who has recorded her 164
Cr.P.C statement has been examined by the prosecution; by such omission, the
appellant was prejudiced in his defence seriously; these facts collectively
call for a lenient action against the appellant, who is said to be in custody
since 2017.
5. In view of above the sentence awarded to
the appellant is reduced to rigorous imprisonment for 02 years with fine of
Rs.15,000/- and in default whereof to undergo simple imprisonment for 10 days
with benefit of section 382-B Cr.P.C.
6. Subject to above modification, the instant
appeal is dismissed.
JUDGE