Imtiaz Ali Maitlo vs The State
This matter concerns a pre-arrest bail application filed by the applicant, Imtiaz Ali Maitlo, in relation to Crime No. 69 of 2024, registered under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code 1860. The core legal question was whether the applicant was entitled to the confirmation of pre-arrest bail, given the delay in the FIR registration, the nature of the allegations, and the principle of consistency regarding co-accused. The Court held that the applicant was entitled to bail, confirming the interim pre-arrest bail previously granted. The Court reasoned that the applicant's alleged role—pointing a pistol—was similar to that of a co-accused who had already been granted bail by the trial court. Furthermore, the Court noted the delay in FIR registration, the silence of the post-mortem report regarding violence, and the fact that the applicant was let off by the police during the investigation. The key principle laid down is that where the role of an accused is similar to that of a co-accused already granted bail, the principle of consistency applies, warranting similar relief.
- Does the principle of consistency apply when granting pre-arrest bail to an accused whose role is similar to a co-accused already granted bail?
- Can a delay in the registration of an FIR be a ground for granting pre-arrest bail?
- Is an accused entitled to pre-arrest bail if they were let off by the police during the investigation phase?
- Section 302, Pakistan Penal Code 1860
ORDER
Ali Haider 'Ada', J. Through this bail application, the applicant/accused Imtiaz Ali Maitlo, seeks pre- arrest bail in Crime No.69 of 2024, registered under section 302 PPC at Police Station, Ahmedpur district Khairpur as lodged by the complainant on 19.10.2024 as date of incident is mentioned in the FIR is 15.10.2024.
2. The earlier bail plea of the applicant was declined by the learned Additional Sessions Judge- I/MCTC, Khairpur vide order dated 21.01.2025 in Criminal Bail Application No.3855 of 2024.
3. According to FIR the complainant alleged that on the day of incident he alongwith his other relatives heard cries of deceased, in which they saw that applicant alongwith accused Maqsood Ahmed and Mst. Zaira as well as two unknown persons beaten to his sister Mst. Saima and accused Maqsood Ahmed who is husband of Mst. Saima strangulated to his sister while the present applicant took out pistol from his fold and pointed out the same upon them and later on she died.
Such information was given to the police and after completing funeral right complainant lodged FIR at Police Station.
4. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that there is delay in registration of FIR while as per FIR it is mentioned that promptly informed the police and even police kept one entry in roznamcha bearing No.10 dated 15.10.2024, as such enmity did not disclose in commission of offence at the hands of applicant. Further submits applicant is not a principal accused for commission of alleged incident and role is similar with Mst. Zaira Khatoon and pointed pistol upon complainant party and even the learned trial Court granted pre-arrest bail to co-accused Mst. Zaira Khatoon vide order dated 21.01.2025 as the prosecution/complainant did not file cancellation of bail as per instructions.
In support of his contentions he places reliance upon the case of Nooruddin and another v. The State (2005 MLD 1267).
5. On the other hand, learned Additional Prosecutor General for the State does not contra such submissions and pointed that active role has not been assigned by the present applicant and even pre-arrest granted to co-accused, the applicant is involved only he pointed pistol upon complainant party in order to facilitate others nothing else.
6. I have heard the learned counsel for the applicant/accused, the learned Additional Prosecutor General for the State and have carefully examined the material available on record.
7. Record reflects that post-mortem report is silent about any mark of violence on other parts of body. Further, there is delay in registration of the FIR while the entry No.10 contemplates that complainant party on the day of incident approached at the police and disclosed the facts but did not record FIR on prompt day. The role of the present applicant is also similar in nature with co- accused Mst. Zaira Khatoon whom learned trial Court has granted pre-arrest. As against applicant only on the pointation of pistol the role is added and yet to be determined at trial after leading evidence, if the prosecution led on such aspect. The applicant was also let-off by the police during investigation as the final challan.
In view of the above discussion, the applicant/accused has successfully made out a case for the confirmation of bail . Accordingly, the instant bail application is allowed, and as a result, the interim pre-arrest bail already granted to the applicant/accused vide order dated 30.01.2025 is hereby confirmed on same terms and conditions.
8. Needless to state, the observations made herein are tentative in nature and shall not prejudice or influence the learned trial court in any manner while adjudicating the case of the applicant/accused on its own merits.