QASIM vs GHULAM MUSTAFA alias GULO and 5 others
This criminal revision application challenges an order passed by the trial court, which dismissed the applicant's request to record his evidence through an attorney in a direct complaint filed under the Illegal Dispossession Act 2005. The applicant, citing old age and infirmity, argued he was incapable of understanding court proceedings and thus required representation. The core legal question was whether a complainant in a criminal case is legally permitted to record their evidence through an attorney. The High Court held that there is no provision in general or special law authorizing the recording of a witness or complainant's evidence through an attorney in criminal proceedings. The Court observed that the applicant's ability to file the complaint and the revision application in person contradicted his claim of incapacity. Consequently, the Court dismissed the revision application, affirming that acts not permitted by law cannot be allowed under any pretext. The principle laid down is that the personal examination of a complainant or witness is mandatory in criminal trials, and no legal mechanism exists to delegate this evidentiary function to an attorney.
- Is a complainant in a criminal case permitted to record their evidence through an attorney?
- Does the law allow for the delegation of evidence recording to an attorney in criminal proceedings?
- Can a trial court allow a complainant to testify through an attorney on the grounds of old age and infirmity?
- Illegal Dispossession Act 2005
IRSHAD ALI SHAH, J.---The facts in brief necessary for disposal of instant criminal revision application are that the applicant filed a direct complaint before learned trial court under the provisions of illegal Dispossession Act 2005, when it becomes ripe for evidence the applicant filed an application for recording of his evidence through his attorney . It was dismissed by learned trial court, such order of dismissal of his application, the applicant has impugned before this Court, by way of instant criminal revision application.
2. It is contended by the learned counsel for the applicant that the applicant being old and infirm is incapable to understand the proceedings of the courts as such is not in position to record his evidence in person and learned trial court has failed to consider such aspect of the case, without any justification. By doing so, according to him, learned trial court has committed wrong which could be made right by this court, by allowing the applicant to record his evidence through his attorney . In support of his contention he relied upon case of Amanullah Khan v. The State which is reported at 2011 PCr.L.J Page-774 and case of Abdul Hafeez v. Usman Farooqui through his daughter Sharmila Farooqui and another , which is reported at 2008 PSC (Crl.) 959 .
3. Learned APG and learned counsel for the private respondents have sought for dismissal of the instant criminal revision application by contending that it has been filed by the applicant only to delay and defeat the trial of his complaint before learned trial court.
4. Learned Amicus-Curie was fair enoug h to state that there is no provision in general or special law which may authorize courts for recording evidence of the witness/complainant through attorney , in criminal cases.
5. I have considered the above arguments and perused the record.
6. The applicant has sought for recording of his evidence through his attorney under the pretext that he being old and infirm is incapable to understand the proceedings of the court. If it is so, then how he becomes capable to file his direct complaint before learned trial court and thereafter instant criminal revision application before this Court in person? Such exercise on the part of the applicant, prima facie indicate that he is not an infirm or incapable person to understand the court proceedings. Be that as it may be, there is no provision in general or special law which may authorize the courts to record the evidence of the witness/complainant through attorney , in criminal cases. Things which are not permitted by law could not be permitted to be done under any prete xt. If permitted to be done then those would be unlawful. In these circumstances learned trial court was right to dismiss the application of the applicant for recording his evidence through his attorney .
7. The case law which is relied upon by the learned counsel for the applicant is on distinguishable facts and circumstances as such it hardly support the case of the applicant. In case of Amanullah Khan (supra) it was held that there is no embargo for any perso n to lodge a complaint. In the instant matter no issue of lodgment of complaint is involved. In case of Abdul Hafeez (supra) direct complaint filed by daughter acting as attorney of her father without producing power of attorne y was treated to have been filed by her. In the instant matter no issue of filing of direct complaint is involved. Issue involved is that of recording of evidence of the applicant through his attorney .
8. In view of the facts and reasons discussed above, it could be concluded safely that impugned order is not calling for any interference by this Court, by way of instant criminal revision application, it is dismissed accordingly .
9. Needless to state that the valuable assistance, rendered by learned Amicus Curiae is appreciated.