MUHAMMAD ASHRAF Versus THE STATE

Muhammad Ashraf, son of Abdul Karim Ansari, resident of Bhasar Pura, Kasur was challaned under section 13 of the Arms Ordinance. The Magistrate by judgment, dated 28‑1‑1‑1984 found him guilty. He was accordingly sentenced to one year's R.I. He filed an appeal. That was dismissed by the Sessions Judge by his judgment, dated 9‑6‑1984. Hence this revision.

2. As a matter of fact this revision was admitted simply to consider the question of sentence, but at the time of hearing when the record was called the learned counsel requested that he be permitted to argue the same on merits. This request was allowed by me.

3. The petitioner was hauled up on 20‑2‑1980. On his personal search, a pistol and two live cartridges were found in his possession. The petitioner could not produce any licence for the pistol. The pistol and the cartridges were taken into possession vide Memo. Exh. P. A. Muhammad Riaz S. I . drafted complaint Exh . P. B on the basis of which formal F.I.R. Exh.P.B/1 by Nishat Ahmad (P.W.4) H.C. P.S. Khanpur.

4. The short question to be considered is whether the evidence produced by the prosecution and relied upon by the two Courts below is independent, reliable and sufficient in law to uphold the conviction. For that matter, I have heard the counsel and gone through the evidence.

5. Admitted position is that Muhammad Tufail (P.W.2) and Iftikhar Hussain (P.W.3), who attested the recovery memo. were those who had already accompanied the police party. One of them is a Razakar. Such type of witnesses who are at the beck and call and actually form part of the police party cannot be taken to be independent witnesses, especially when independent witnesses were available at the place where the recovery memo. was prepared. It has also come in evidence that a Pansal Navees also turned up. He would have been an ideal independent witness to support the prosecution case. In the absence of any independent evidence the recovery becomes doubtful.

I, therefore, give benefit of doubt to the petitioner and acquit him of the charge. He shall be set at liberty forthwith, if not required in any other case.

M. A. K. Petitioner acquitted.