Supreme Court acquits two life-term drug convicts citing biased investigation
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has acquitted two individuals sentenced to life imprisonment in a drug-related case, overturning lower court verdicts. The three-member bench led by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel cited serious lapses in the investigation process.
Investigation’s dual role as complainant and investigator undermined impartiality
The court emphasized that allowing the complainant police officer to act as the investigating officer violated fundamental principles of justice. It noted that a complainant acting as an investigator could only seek evidence to support their own claims, which is detrimental to fair justice.
Constitutional protections upheld for fair trial rights
Highlighting constitutional protections under Article 10A, the court underscored that investigations must be transparent, impartial, and in accordance with the law. The apex court raised serious concerns regarding investigative procedures, evidence handling, and forensic processes.
Lower courts criticized for failing to evaluate evidence properly
The judgment pointed out issues such as unclear signatures on recovered parcels, unproven prosecution claims about seized evidence, questionable chain of custody, and lab transfers. The court reaffirmed that any reasonable doubt must benefit the accused, criticizing lower courts for not adequately evaluating evidence.