The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the Sindh High Court's decision granting bail to Ali Asghar Khokhar, an accused in a case involving the death of a citizen caused by an electricity wire allegedly installed for power theft in Larkana, Sindh.
The Supreme Court has also laid down fundamental principles governing the cancellation of bail granted to accused persons in criminal cases. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and comprising Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, concluded the hearing.
A six-page judgment, authored by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, outlined the circumstances under which the bail of an accused person may be cancelled. The court noted that it had, in various dicta, already settled the principles governing the cancellation of bail: if the bail order is illegal or unjust; if the accused misuses the concession; if the accused attempts to influence evidence; if there is a likelihood of the accused fleeing; if the accused interferes with the investigation; if the accused becomes involved in another offence; or if new evidence emerges indicating the accused's involvement.
It is pertinent to mention that on 3 March 2024, a man named Noor Hussain died after an electricity wire snapped within the jurisdiction of Rehmatpur Police Station in Larkana. The wire was part of an illegal electricity line reportedly laid from a disposal pumping station to supply power to shops.
The incident sparked public outrage regarding the safety of illegal power connections in the region. On 20 October 2025, the Sindh High Court's Larkana Circuit Bench granted bail to Ali Asghar Khokhar, citing a nine-month delay in the registration of the FIR.
The Supreme Court, while upholding the decision, noted that the illegal power supply could not take place without the connivance of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the relevant utility company, which requires further examination. The court emphasized that while bail is a right in many circumstances, it is not an absolute license for an accused to obstruct the course of justice.
The judiciary remains vigilant against the misuse of bail concessions, ensuring that the rights of the victims and the integrity of the investigation are protected throughout the legal process. The Supreme Court further observed that the failure of utility companies to monitor their infrastructure effectively contributes to such tragic incidents.
The bench directed the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough audit of power lines in the area to prevent future occurrences of electrocution caused by negligence. Legal experts have welcomed the detailed judgment, noting that it provides much-needed clarity for lower courts when dealing with bail applications in criminal matters.
By consolidating these principles, the Supreme Court aims to standardize the judicial approach across the country. The petition was ultimately disposed of as the complainant did not press for the cancellation of the bail.
The case serves as a reminder of the legal complexities surrounding criminal liability in cases of infrastructure negligence and power theft.