Lahore High Court Grants Relief in PECA Case
The Lahore High Court delivered a significant ruling on Thursday by suspending the three-year prison sentence given to Salman Murtaza under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The court directed his immediate release after submitting surety bonds worth Rs100,000.
Court Proceedings and Legal Arguments
A two-judge bench consisting of Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry and Justice Sardar Ali Akbar Dogar presided over the hearing where Advocate Mian Dawood represented the convicted individual. The defense counsel presented compelling arguments challenging the trial court's decision.
During the proceedings, the defense lawyer emphasized that the trial court had convicted Salman Murtaza based on accusations of stealing and distributing objectionable photographs of his cousin. However, both the complainant and the alleged victim had provided testimony stating that no such material was shared by the accused before the trial court.
The legal representative further contended that the prosecution had failed to substantiate any of the allegations during the trial proceedings. Despite this lack of evidence, the trial court had imposed a three-year imprisonment sentence. The defense maintained that Murtaza had been falsely implicated by relatives as part of a scheme to deprive his mother of her property rights.
Legal Grounds and Court Decision
Advocate Dawood highlighted an important legal provision that any sentence of three years or less qualifies for suspension and bail under Pakistani law. After thoroughly examining the case record and considering the arguments presented by both sides, the bench determined that the circumstances warranted intervention.
The Lahore High Court bench concluded that the case met the necessary legal criteria for sentence suspension. The court ordered the immediate suspension of the three-year sentence and directed that Salman Murtaza be released upon the submission of surety bonds valued at Rs100,000.
This decision provides temporary relief to the accused while the legal process continues, allowing him to pursue further legal remedies without remaining in custody during the appeal process.
