Riaz Ahmed and others vs The State
This criminal appeal challenges the conviction and sentence of appellant Riaz Ahmed under Section 21-L of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, passed by the Anti-Terrorism Court, Jacobabad. The core legal question is whether an accused can be convicted under Section 21-L of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 for absconsion without a formal charge, recording of evidence, framing of a point for determination, and compliance with due process during a trial in absentia. The Sindh High Court held that convicting the appellant in a cursory manner without recording evidence to prove the ingredients of Section 21-L and without framing a charge for the same is illegal, not warranted in law, and violative of Articles 9 and 10-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. The court laid down the principle that trial in absentia and conviction for absconsion must strictly follow due process, requiring proper framing of charges, recording of evidence, and adherence to fundamental rights to a fair trial.
- Whether an accused can be convicted under Section 21-L of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 without framing a charge and recording evidence?
- Does conviction of an absconder in absentia without following proper legal procedure violate Articles 9 and 10-A of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973?
- Is a trial court required to frame a point for determination and discuss evidence regarding deliberate absconsion before sentencing an accused under Section 21-L of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997?
- Section 302, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 353, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 148, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 149, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
- Section 7, Anti-Terrorism Act 1997
- Section 21-L, Anti-Terrorism Act 1997
- Section 87, Code of Criminal Procedure 1898
- Section 88, Code of Criminal Procedure 1898
- Article 9, Constitution of Pakistan 1973
- Article 10-A, Constitution of Pakistan 1973
Naimatullah Phulpoto, J.--- Appellant Riaz Ahmed and others were tried by learned Judge, Anti- Terrorism Court, Jacobabad in special case No.12/2009 for offences under Sections 302, 353, 148, 149 PPC and 7 of Anti Terrorism Act, 1997. After full dressed trial by judgment dated 14.12.2009 accused Sher Muhammad and Javed were acquitted. Present appellant Riaz Ahmed who was tried in absentia was also acquitted however, appellant Riaz Ahmed was convicted under Section 21-L of Anti Terrorism Act, 1997 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act') and sentenced to 05 years R.I., his moveable and immovable property were also forfeited.
2. Mr. Shahbaz Ali M. Brohi, learned counsel for the appellant has mainly contended that appellant was tried in his absentia and he has been acquitted for the offences under sections 302, 353, 148, 149 PPC. It is contended that conviction of the appellant under Section 21-L of the Act without framing of charge and recording of evidence is not sustainable under the law. In support of his contentions he has relied upon case of Arbab Khan v. The State 2010 SCM R 755 and the case of Ikhlaq Ahmad v. State 2008 SCM R 951.
3. Mr. Khadim Hussain Khooharo, learned DPG supported the impugned judgment of the trial Court and argued that absence of appellant Riaz Ahmed was intentional.
4. We find that proceedings under Section 87 & 88 Cr.P.C were initiated against the appellant for the purpose of proceeding with the case in absentia, thereafter charge was framed for other offences except 21-L of the Act. The record further reveals that no evidence was recorded to prove the ingredients of Section 21-L of the Act. Judgment of the trial Court does not reflect that point for determination regarding section 21-L of the Act was framed. Trial Court has also failed to discuss the evidence regarding deliberate absconsion of the appellant. Learned trial Court in cursory manner has convicted and sentenced the appellant under Section 21-L of the Act. Therefore, the procedure adopted by the trial Court for conviction and sentence of appellant in absentia is not warranted in law and it is violative of the Article 9 and 10- A of the Constitution. Section 21-L of the Act reads as under:- Section 21-L. Punishment for an absconder.--- Whosoever being accused of an offence under this Act, absconds and avoids arrest or evades appearance before any inquiry, investigation or Court proceedings or conceals himself, and obstructs the course of justice, shall be liable to imprisonment for a terms not less than {five years} and not more than [ ten years] or with fine or with both.
5. In the case of Ikhlaq Ahmad v. State 2008 SCM R 951 Honourable Supreme Court set aside the conviction and sentence passed by the Special Judge, ATC, in a murder case in which accused were tried in absentia as they were absconders and it was held that trial in absentia was violative of Article 9 and 10-A of the Constitution.
6. In the light of above discussion, while relying upon above authorities, we hold that since appellant has been acquitted by trial Court in main case, as such the conviction and sentence awarded to the appellant Riaz Ahmed under the impugned judgment dated 14.12.2009 are set aside. However, this judgment shall not be construed to preclude the trial Court from taking any proceedings in accordance with law and adopt legal procedure for trial of offence punishable under Section 21-L of the Act. Consequently, the appeal is allowed. These are reasons of our short order announced by us today morning.