Supreme Court Warns Against Using Woman’s Character to Justify Murder

The Supreme Court has issued a stern warning against using a woman's character to justify her murder, emphasizing that such a claim cannot be used to absolve a perpetrator of criminal responsibility. In a detailed 10-page judgment, Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar highlighted the gravity of this issue in a case where a husband was convicted of murdering his wife and sentenced to life imprisonment. The court's ruling underscores that no one should accept that a woman's character can provide a legal basis for her death.

The ruling also directs investigative bodies to treat deaths of women at the hands of relatives as critical cases that require rigorous and thorough investigations. The court expressed deep concern over the pervasive gender bias and discriminatory attitudes that often color investigations into violence against women. It urged provincial governments to ensure that police officers undergo comprehensive training to recognize and overcome these biases.

Furthermore, the court stressed the importance of meticulously identifying, preserving, and documenting all available evidence, and holding investigation officers accountable for any negligence or carelessness that might lead to inadequate handling of such cases.

The judgment points out that in many instances, perpetrators may attempt to tarnish a woman's character after her death as a means to justify their actions or to deflect blame onto the victim. This approach reflects a deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset, which devalues a woman's life, decisions, and dignity. The court also noted that a significant number of violence against women cases go unreported, and stressed the necessity for victims and their families to have faith in the justice system to uncover the truth and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.