ASLAM RIAZ HUSSAIN, J.--Muhammad Aqeel Bills appellant was tried for the murder of Muhammad Zaman and was sentenced to death under section 302, P.P.C. By the learned Sessions Judge, Gujranwala. His appeal was dismissed by the High Court and the death sentence was confirmed.
He filed a petition before this Court and leave was granted to him.
2. When the case was called for hearing, the learned counsel for, the appellant informed us that the parties have reached a compromise the matter so that they can live in peace and amity henceforth. He stated further that the accused party had given rupees one lac to the heirs of the deceased. Muhammad Abbas, father, and Mst. Shamim Akhtar, the sister, of the deceased, are present in Court and admit having received rupees one lac from the accused party. They have been identified by Mr. M.A. Qureshi, Advocate-on-Record--Caveator of the complainant party.
3. Considering the view taken by this Court in Muhammad Bashir v. The State PLD 1982 SC 139, we feel in the circumstances of this case the compromise between the parties constitute a mitigating circumstance, entitling the accused-appellant to the lesser sentence o imprisonment for life. We therefore accept the appeal and reduce the sentence of death of the appellant to imprisonment for life.
We also grant him the relief provided under section 382-B, Cr.P.C