Murder
Faisal Mehmood v. State (2016 SCMR 2138)
An unexplained delay that indicated deliberations before registering the FIR, a planted witness, and scientifically-dubious medical evidence, cannot support a conviction.
Shahbaz v. the State (2016 SCMR 1763)
An unexplained delay of 11 hours between the murder and post-mortem may indicate that police and complainant spent the time procuring and planting eyewitnesses, especially if the witness has been proven to be unreliable.
Nasir Javaid & Anr v. State (2016 SCMR 1144)
Witness testimony will be viewed suspiciously if it is not logical, and is inconsistent with other evidence produced. Circumstantial evidence can only be used to uphold a conviction, where the only reasonable explanation is that of the accused’s guilt.
Muhammad Ashraf v. State (2016 SCMR 1617)
The prosecution/police’s suspicion does not replace the need for reliable evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Javed Iqbal & Ors v. State (2016 SCMR 787)
Evidence that relies on vague, general allegations with material contradictions and that appears to be aimed at exculpating the police of wrongdoing is insufficient to support a conviction.
