Blasphemy accused cannot be prosecuted on basis of dreams: LHC

News report

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) quashed an FIR

registered under blasphemy charges, observing that a

person could not be prosecuted merely on the basis of

what he sees in his dreams or for sharing his thoughts,

visions, or emotions with others.

Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh held that the police

failed in collecting substantial evidence to establish the

offence against the accused

and observed that those suffering from mental illnesses

should be provided treatment and protection against

punishment. “If we examine FIR we

find that the offence under

section 295-A PPC is not

made out.

There is no allegation

that the petitioner did anything to offend any group of

people or insult their religion

or religious beliefs.

F u r t h e r m o r e , t h e

A s s i s t a n t A d v o c a t e

G e n e r a l c o u l d n o t

point out any circumstances

that might indicate malice on his part,” Justice

Tariq observed in his

detailed judgment issued on

Saturday.