KHUSHI JOSEPH Versus STATE

ORDER

This is petition for grant of bail on behalf of Khushi Jospeh, petitioner herein, who stands arrested since 1-8-1903 in case F.I.R. No.94/93, dated 1-8-1993, under section 17/18/22 of the Emigration Ordinance, 1979, read with section 6 of the Passports Act, 1974, on the allegation that in collusion with his co-accused namely Shehzad Yousaf, Anil Joseph, Javaid Hamdani etc. the petitioner abetted forgery of various documents for unlawful emigration of various persons abroad.

2. According to the prosecution, on 1-8-1993, the Passport Cell of F.IA., Lahore raided the house of the petitioner and seized various objectionable articles which were kept there for forging the passports/visas etc. Besides the petitioner Shehzad Yousaf was also arrested.

3. It is contended on behalf of the petitioner that there is no evidence on record showing that he had obtained any remuneration from any person by cheating him or by making him believe that he will get him a valid passport for foreign country or visa thereof muchless to have forged any document in that regard. Mr. Muhammad Asim Butt, S.I. who is present in Court with record says that the petitioner did not gain direct contact with any citizen to' get him visa/passport, however, he was an active assistant of his co-accused.

4. Be that as it may, since there is no allegation of fleecing any person on false pretext of providing false visa/passport, against the petitioner and that he appears to be an old man, therefore, I feel inclined to allow this petition and direct that the petitioner shall be released subject to his furnishing bail bond in the sum of Rs.50,000 with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial Court, during the pendency of trial.

N.H.Q./K-130/K

Bail allowed.