Prosecutor General (PG) Hussain Shameem has stated that giving light sentences is not equivalent to the guilty party being unpunished.
In a blog post, PG Shameem said the penal code clearly defines the range of sentences for various crimes, adding that the real punishment is always a prison sentence. He, however, said that the law also defines types of punishments that do not involve prison sentences. He detailed that house arrest, community service, fines, and probation are types of punishments recognised by the state.
Furthermore, PG Shameem said punishments should be given for the purpose of rehabilitating the guilty party and therefore the law allows the state to render different types of punishments. He said that judges are allowed to not hand out prison sentences to first-time offenders to encourage them to avoid a life of crime.
Additionally, PG Shameem said that the types of punishments were introduced to the penal code in 2015 but there had been no guidelines on handing out different sentences. He said that the Supreme Court is responsible for formulating the guidelines and had done so after many years had passed.
In conclusion, PG Shameem said that authorities that are responsible for implementing the sentences are required to notify the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) within 15 days if the guilty party refuses or is unable to serve the sentence. He said that individuals who refused to abide by light sentences such as fines will have their punishment revised, which would result in them having to serve a prison sentence. He added that punishments for drug-related crimes, money laundering, and terrorism cannot be changed under the Supreme Court’s guidelines.