Supreme Court Converts Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment in Minor Girl Rape Case

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has converted the death sentence of a man convicted of the rape of a 10-year-old schoolgirl in Sheikhupura into life imprisonment, while upholding the other penalties awarded to him.

According to the written verdict issued by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, the court maintained the fine of Rs. 300,000 and the additional six-month prison term imposed on the convict. It also upheld the order under the Anti-Rape Act requiring the convict to pay Rs. 100,000 in compensation to the victim.

The court observed that the state is responsible for protecting female students in educational institutions and during their commute. It directed all provincial inspectors general of police, as well as the Islamabad IG, to increase patrolling around schools and strengthen security arrangements at educational institutions.

The Supreme Court also instructed authorities to ensure quick action on complaints involving harassment of women and children. It emphasized the need for immediate preventive measures in such cases.

The court further recommended that the 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 sexual assault cases.

According to the verdict, the convict was a sweeper at a school in a housing colony in Sheikhupura, where he assaulted a 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. It also ruled that a three-day delay in registering the FIR does not entitle the accused to the benefit of doubt in such circumstances.

The verdict noted that the school administration attempted to conceal the incident, including by administering a drip to the victim inside the school premises. The court observed that such conduct could not be allowed to harm the case of the child and her widowed mother.

The Supreme Court rejected the defense claim that the incident was staged or that the convict had been falsely implicated. It found that no evidence supported the allegation of a dispute at the school gate.