ZAHID HUSSAIN vs The STATE

The petitioner filed a petition for leave to appeal against the judgment and order of the Lahore High Court, Lahore, dated 7-5-1984, which had dismissed his Criminal Appeal No. 614 of 1980. Upon review, the Supreme Court of Pakistan observed that the petition was time-barred by 66 days. Furthermore, the Court examined the merits of the case and determined that, even apart from the issue of limitation, it did not constitute a fit case for the grant of leave to appeal. Consequently, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition primarily on the ground of limitation. This decision reinforces the principle that petitions for leave to appeal must be filed within the prescribed period of limitation and that the Court retains the discretion to deny leave if the case lacks merit, regardless of procedural hurdles. The judgment underscores the strict adherence required regarding limitation periods in criminal appellate proceedings before the Supreme Court.