SHOUKAT ALI QURESHI vs STATE and another
This matter concerns a petition for pre-arrest bail filed before the Islamabad High Court against an order passed by an Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ). The core legal question was whether the ASJ acted arbitrarily by refusing pre-arrest bail for offences that are statutorily classified as bailable under the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, while erroneously conflating the facts of the case with a separate, non-bailable FIR. The Court held that the impugned order was perverse and resulted from a misconception of facts, as the ASJ failed to address the specific FIR for which bail was sought. Consequently, the High Court set aside the order and remanded the matter to the ASJ to decide the bail application afresh in accordance with the law. The Court emphasized the duty of judicial officers to strictly adhere to statutory provisions, noting that arbitrary decisions in bailable matters force unnecessary litigation, burden litigants with costs, and undermine public confidence in the judiciary. Judicial officers are reminded that they must exercise authority within the four corners of the law to ensure the proper administration of justice.
- Can a judicial officer refuse pre-arrest bail for offences classified as bailable under the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898?
- Is an order passed by a lower court that conflates facts from two different cases legally sustainable?
- What is the duty of a judicial officer when exercising discretion in bail matters to avoid arbitrary decision-making?
- Section 353, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 337-H(ii), Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 186, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 34, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 324, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 427, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 148, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 149, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 337-F(ii), Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 496, Code of Criminal Procedure 1898
- Section 498, Code of Criminal Procedure 1898
ORDER
Admittedly, offences under Sections 353, 337-H(ii), 186/34, PPC in which petitioner sought bail before arrest, according to schedule-II of Cr.PC are bailable.
2. Through impugned order, learned ASJ declined the request by discussing case registered vide FIR No, 1106, dated 27-10-2011, offence u/S. 324, 427, 148, 149 and 337-F(ii), PPC and not a single word/reason about the FIR in which bail was sought. Apparently, this was arbitrary exercise of authority, against the command of law and dictum laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in case titled 'Muhammad Ayub Vs. Muhammad Yaqoob and others" reported as PLD 1966, Supreme Court 1003. Therefore, in order to confront and to know the reasons of departure, this Court constrained to call in person learned ASJ who put appearance and stated that impugned order was passed under some misconception which is result of inadvertence. Learned ASJ assured that he shall be careful in future.
3. This Court reminded the learned ASJ of his sacred duty of dispensation of justice, and responsibilities towards judicial system, which is the only hope of people of Pakistan. As such type of orders bring chagrin, despondency, disappointment, dismay and dejection to the ordinary litigants. In the arena of judicial activism, it is unimaginable and undreamed of that, any accused of a bailable offence would be compelled to approach the High Court for a relief, in which even SHO can take bond. These perverse orders burden the litigant with heavy costs as unfortunately, even filing of any petition before High Court is not inexpensive. The judicial officers are custodian of the rights of the people, rule of law and administration of justice, therefore, it is expected from them that, while discharging their sacred duty of dispensation of justice, they would adhere to the provisions of law and no consideration, relation, liking or disliking would influence or prevail upon them. It really is heart breaking that orders like impugned before this Court raise eye brows about the Institution of judiciary and bring question mark about the integrity of judicial officer, as well. The only course through which such type of criticism can be avoided is that judicial officer must exercise his authority within the four corners of law and not by adopting any novel procedure.
4. Although, the explanation advanced by learned ASJ is unsatisfactory, still this Court by showing grace, declares the impugned order, as result of some misunderstanding, amalgamation of facts or two different cases and not of any other consideration.
5. In this view of the matter, impugned order dated 07-02-2012, is set aside. Petition for pre-arrest bail shall deem to be pending before learned ASJ, Islamabad, who is directed to pass the order afresh, in accordance with law. It is expected that learned ASJ will apply his judicial mind and by adhering to provisions of Sections 496, 498, Cr.P.C. speaking order would be passed. The petitioner is directed to appear before learned ASJ, Islamabad on 21-02-2012.
6. Office is directed to deliver the copy of this order to both the learned Sessions Judges East and West Divisions, ICT for their perusal as-well as their subordinate judicial officers.