The Supreme Court of Pakistan has converted the death sentence of a man convicted in a rape case involving a 10-year-old schoolgirl in Sheikhupura into life imprisonment, while upholding other penalties awarded to him. According to the written verdict issued by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, the court maintained the fine of Rs300,000 and an additional six-month imprisonment imposed on the convict. It also upheld the directive under the Anti-Rape Act requiring payment of Rs100,000 as compensation to the victim.
State Responsibility for Student Safety
The court observed that ensuring the protection of female students in educational institutions and during their commute is the responsibility of the state. It directed all provincial inspectors general of police and the Islamabad IG to enhance patrolling around schools and strengthen security arrangements in educational institutions. The court further instructed authorities to ensure swift action on complaints of harassment involving women and children, emphasizing the need for immediate preventive measures.
Recommendations for Medico-Legal Systems
The apex court also recommended that both federal and provincial governments establish modern medico-legal systems on the pattern of the Sindh Medical Legal Act to improve investigation and evidence collection in such cases.
Details of the Case
Detailing the case, the verdict noted that the convict, a sweeper at a housing colony school in Sheikhupura, had assaulted the minor student. Medical examinations confirmed injuries consistent with sexual assault. The court held that the absence of semen in forensic reports does not automatically weaken the prosecution's case, and that a three-day delay in registering the FIR does not entitle the accused to the benefit of doubt in such circumstances.
It further observed that the school administration attempted to conceal the incident, including administering a drip to the victim inside the premises, adding that such conduct could not be allowed to prejudice the case against the child and her widowed mother. Rejecting the defence claim of a staged incident or false implication, the court found that no evidence supported the allegation of a dispute at the school gate.
