ATTA MUHAMMAD vs THE STATE
This matter concerns a petition for post-arrest bail filed by Atta Muhammad, who was charged under Sections 18 and 10 of the Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance 1979 for allegedly attempting to commit Zina-bil-Jabr. The core legal question was whether the petitioner was entitled to bail given the circumstances of the case and the nature of the evidence. The petitioner argued that the case was one of further inquiry due to an unexplained delay in the F.I.R., the absence of medical evidence of violence, and the failure to produce the complainant's Shalwar. The Court held that the case against the petitioner constituted a matter of further inquiry, particularly noting the absence of medical examination for both the petitioner and the complainant. Consequently, the Court accepted the bail petition, granting the petitioner bail subject to furnishing bail bonds. The key principle laid down is that where the prosecution fails to provide essential corroborative evidence, such as medical reports, in cases involving allegations of sexual offences, the case may be treated as one of further inquiry, entitling the accused to the concession of bail.
- Does the absence of a medical report in an alleged sexual offence case make the matter one of further inquiry for the purpose of bail?
- Does the removal of a complainant's Shalwar necessarily constitute an attempt to commit Zina-bil-Jabr or potentially fall under outraging the modesty of a woman?
- Is an accused entitled to bail when the alleged offence does not fall within the prohibitory clause of Section 497(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898?
- Section 18, Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance 1979
- Section 10, Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance 1979
- Section 497(1), Code of Criminal Procedure 1898
- Section 354, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
ORDER
' FAZAL-E-MIRAN CHAUHAN, J.--- Petitioner Atta Muhammad, seeks post-arrest bail in case F.I.R.
No,143, dated 30-9-2005, offence under sections 18/10 of the Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance No,VII of 1979, registered at Police Station, Fateh Shah, Tehsil Burewala, District Vehari for the allegations of attempting to commit Zina-bil-Jabr with Razia Bibicomplainant, hence, this case.
2. It is contended by learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is quite innocent and has been falsely roped in this case by the complainant with mala fide intention. There is nothing on record connecting the petitioner with the offence alleged against him. There is unexplained delay of two days in lodging the F.I.R., which has not been explained properly and casts serious aspersion of the prosecution story. Further contends that no marks of scuffle between the complainant and the petitioner were found. No medical report is on the file showing marks of violence on her body, which also speaks a volume of mala fide and ulterior motive against the petitioner. The so-called Shalwar, which was alleged to be untied by the petitioner, was not produced before the police, which further makes the petitioner's case one of further inquiry. Also contends that the offence alleged to have been committed by the petitioners does not fall within the prohibitory clause of section 497(1), Cr.P.C. In this regards, reliance is placed on Muhammad Bashir v. The State 1996 PCr.LJ 813 (Lahore), Munsaf Khan v: The State NLR 1993 SD 126, Muhammad Asif alias Muhammad Ilyas v. The State 2004 YLR 378 and Tahir Abbas alias Babar Ali v. The State 2001 M LD 1559 (Lahore), therefore, petitioner deserves the concession of bail.
3. Conversely, learned counsel for the complainant assisted by learned State counsel vehemently opposed the bail application contending that the petitioner is specifically nominated in the F.I.R.
With specific role of attempting to commit Zina-bil-Jabr with the complainant. The offence is heinous in nature, therefore, petitioner is not entitled for the concession of bail.
4. Having heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the record, it manifests that the only allegation against the petitioner is that on the day of occurrence, the petitioner pushed the complainant into cotton crop and removed her Shalwar in order to commit sexual intercourse against her wishes. On raising her hue and cry, witnesses arrived at the spot and she was saved from being dishonoured. It is yet to be determined whether removal of complainant's Shalwar by the petitioner amounts to attempting to commit rape or the same falls for outraging the modesty of a girl punishable under section 354, P.P.C. The petitioner is behind the bars since his arrest.
Neither the petitioner nor the complainant (victim) was medically examined by the police, which makes the petitioner's case that of further inquiry.
5. For the foregoing reasons, this bail petition is accepted and the petitioner is admitted to bail subject to furnishing bail bonds in the sum of Rs,50,000 (Rupees fifty thousand only) with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the learned trial Court.
Cited by 3 cases
- MUHAMMAD ARIF vs THE STATE 2009 MLD 19
- ABDUL RAZZAQ alias BHOLA vs THE STATE 2007 P Cr. L J 1788
- MUHAMMAD TARIQ Versus State Ch. Muhammad Tariq Manj , Ch. Muhammad Bashir Bhatti 2008 MLD 337