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Conducting an Identification Parade Under CrPC in Pakistan

Leave a Comment / Uncategorised / By Muhammad Amin, Advocate

An identification parade helps law enforcement identify unknown suspects. It falls under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of Pakistan. This process involves strict legal guidelines to ensure fairness and reliability.


Table of Contents

  1. Purpose of Identification Parades
  2. Legal Framework and Timeline
  3. Role of Witnesses in Identification
  4. Steps in Conducting an Identification Parade
  5. Magistrate’s Role and Responsibilities
  6. Evidentiary Value of Identification Parades
  7. Final Considerations for Legal Practitioners

Purpose of Identification Parades

Identification parades confirm the identity of unknown suspects. They ensure that witnesses correctly identify the perpetrator. This step helps investigators move forward with the case.


Identification parades must occur within 15 days of the incident. This ensures the witness’s memory remains fresh. The parade is part of the investigation, not the trial. It does not determine guilt but establishes a connection between the suspect and the crime.


Role of Witnesses in Identification

Witnesses are crucial in the identification process. They:

  • Provide a description of the suspect.
  • Identify the accused from a lineup.
  • Must not communicate with other witnesses during the process.

Each witness participates separately. Their identification adds weight to the investigation.


Steps in Conducting an Identification Parade

  1. Selecting Dummies: The lineup includes the suspect and nine dummies. These dummies must resemble the accused.
  2. Separation of Witnesses: Witnesses cannot interact with each other. They enter the parade room one by one.
  3. Conducting the Parade:
    • The magistrate supervises the process.
    • The witness examines the lineup.
    • They identify the suspect based on their memory of the incident.
  4. Documentation: The magistrate records the witness’s identification and statements.

Key Point: The police cannot conduct the parade. Only a magistrate ensures its legality and fairness.


Magistrate’s Role and Responsibilities

The magistrate plays a vital role. They:

  • Ensure the lineup is fair and unbiased.
  • Prevent communication between witnesses.
  • Record all proceedings accurately.

This impartial oversight protects the rights of both witnesses and suspects.


Evidentiary Value of Identification Parades

Identification parades hold limited evidentiary value. They only support the prosecution’s case. Courts do not consider them conclusive proof of guilt. Additional evidence, such as forensic reports or witness testimonies, is necessary for conviction.

Important Note: Identification alone does not convict the suspect. Defense lawyers can challenge the identification during the trial.


Legal professionals must ensure identification parades follow legal protocols. They should:

  • Verify the lineup’s fairness.
  • Ensure witnesses remain unbiased.
  • Collect additional supporting evidence.

Properly conducted identification parades strengthen the investigation. They protect the integrity of the judicial process and uphold the accused’s rights.

For expert legal assistance in criminal matters, contact Muhammad Amin, Advocate.
Phone: 03139708019

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