Conviction rate dip reveals probe flaws

A failing police investigation system and outdated court testimony practices are contributing to a steady decline in conviction rates for serious criminal cases in the Rawalpindi district. Statistics reveal that in 2024, from January 1 to December 5, a total of 73,480 cases were heard across sessions, civil, and special courts. While decisions were issued in 27,189 cases, only 2,320 resulted in convictions. Alarmingly, 7,120 cases ended in acquittals due to poor investigations. Adding to this, 13,910 accused individuals absconded after being granted bail, attributed to incomplete charge sheets or alleged police collusion. The conviction rate in Rawalpindi's courts is described as "dishearteningly low" by sources. Defence lawyers are successfully challenging fabricated drug-related cases, leading to a growing number of acquittals. Even in cases where convictions are secured, 98 per cent of these are overturned at the high court level, with the Supreme Court often dismissing the remainder. From magistrate courts to the apex court, the overall conviction rate remains between a mere 2-4 per cent. Senior lawyers highlight multiple systemic issues, including delayed submission of charge sheets, false witnesses from within the police, and reliance on outdated testimony scripts. One critical issue is the reliance on standard First Information Report (FIR) templates, particularly in drug possession cases, where the language remains identical across most reports. Forensic and geofencing evidence often fails to support police claims, and witnesses are frequently proven unreliable. In high-stakes cases like murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping, the police's role in securing convictions is minimal, estimated at just 5 per cent. These cases are primarily fought between victims' families and defence attorneys. Senior criminal lawyers and experts are calling for modernisation in investigative practices. Advocate Shanzeb Khan of the Supreme Court emphasised the need for truthful reporting, advanced forensic analysis, and geofencing to strengthen cases. He criticised the use of "recycled statements" by police witnesses, a practice that dates back to the 1960s. Currently, 43,000 cases remain pending in Rawalpindi district courts. Legal experts warn that without immediate reform in investigative techniques, the justice system's credibility will continue to erode. Legal experts also emphasise the urgent need for police training in modern investigative techniques, including the use of digital tools such as geofencing and forensic analysis.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/0vMngsV