A Pakistani court has granted bail to a 20-year-old man, Aftab, who was accused in a false rape case, highlighting growing concerns over misuse of laws.
The court approved bail under a surety bond of Rs 100,000. Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq presided over the hearing, while Advocate Mian Daud represented the accused.
During the proceedings, the defence argued that the false rape case was lodged by Gujranwala police to pressure Aftab. Advocate Mian Daud explained that the matter originated from a simple neighbourhood dispute, which authorities exaggerated into an allegation of attempted assault.
The lawyer further claimed that the misuse of laws designed to protect women has become increasingly common in Punjab due to police collusion. He emphasized that, from a legal and scientific perspective, it is unlikely that a 20-year-old man would break into the house of a 50-year-old woman to commit the alleged crime.
Advocate Mian Daud also highlighted that the complainant had previously given a statement in favour of a co-accused in exchange for money. He argued that this statement alone justified the granting of bail. Furthermore, he cited Supreme Court principles that allow the “benefit of doubt” to be applied even at the bail stage.
The prosecution and the complainant strongly opposed the bail request. However, after reviewing the arguments, the court decided to grant bail to Aftab, noting the need to prevent undue hardship while the case proceeds.
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This case has drawn attention to the delicate balance courts must maintain between protecting the rights of alleged victims and preventing misuse of laws that could result in wrongful accusations. Legal experts say careful judicial oversight is crucial in such cases to ensure justice for all parties involved.
