All the accused in Shahzeb murder case have been convicted by Anti Terrorism Court, meaning that they have been convicted under the sections: 302/34 PPC as well as under the sections of schedule offences; 7-ATA and 13-AO, wherein sections; 302/34 PPC are compoundable whereas sections; 7-ATA and 13-AO are non-compoundable. Which means compromise with the complainant can't overcome the court orders and thus the court will maintain conviction under these sections.
The story does not end here, the compromise reached between both the parties can be challenged by High Court through a writ petition by the state and after hearing it if the High Court could maintain that whenever any conviction is made, the offence should also be considered as a non-compoundable offence, particularly in heinous crimes such as murder, acid throwing or rape! If this finding is upheld by the SCP then this will become a law and none would be able to play games with the law!
AFTAB ALAM,
Lahore, September 11.