Introduction
In pre-Islamic era, concepts of diyat was present in Arabic
society. In pre-Islamic period, diyat was considered blood money and this blood
money and this blood money was, in fact, a kind of fine. And such fine was paid
by a killer or his family or his clan to family or clan of victim and it was
paid in the form of goods or animals. However, Islam changed this old concept
of diyat and decided that diyat should be paid in cash.
Relevant Provisions
Section 299(e), 323, 308, 312, 319, 320, 322, 338(c),
330, 331, of P.P.C. 1860.
Definition
In Arabic language, diyat means blood money and ransom. And
it legally means compensation, which is granted to heirs of victim by an
offender.
Diyat Under Pakistan Penal code, 1860
Section 299(e) says “Diyat means the compensation
specified in Section 323 payable to the heirs of the victim.”
It means that Diyat is some pecuniary value which is given
in Section 323.
Value of Diyat; Under Section 323 Of P.P.C
Section 323 states as follows;
(i) The Court shall, subject to the injunctions of Islam
as laid down in the Holy Quran and Sunnah and keeping in view the financial
position of the convict and the heirs of the victim, fix the value of Diyat
which shall not be less than the value of thirty thousand six hundred and
thirty grams of silver.
(ii) For the purpose of sub-section (1) the Federal
Government shall by notification in the official Gazette, declare the value of
silver on the first day of july each year or on such date as it may deem fit,
which shall be the value payable during a financial year.
Thus according to this section diyat is not to be less than
the value of 30630 grams of silver. This amount shall be revised and
declared every year through the official gazettle issued on the 1st
July by the Federal Government.
Determination of Value of Diyat
In Holy Quran and Shariat, there is no specific amount of
Diyat. According to Pakistan Penal Code, court fixes amount of diyat. Here following
four principles are important
(i) Quranic Injunctions
First principle is that court should fix amount of diyat
according to Quranic injunctions.
(ii) Minimum Amount of Diyat
Second principle is that court should not fix amount of
diyat less the value of thirty thousand, six hundred and thirty grams of
silver.
(iii) Financial Position of offender and Heirs of victim
Third principle is that court should keep in view financial position of both the offender and heirs of victim to fix amount of diyat.
(iv) Enhancement & Reduction of Diyat-amount
Fourth principle is that court can though enhance amount of diyat, yet it cannot reduce such amount according to Holy Quran and Sunnah.
Disbursement of Diyat
Under Pakistan Penal Code, diyat should be disbursed among heirs of a victim according to their respective shares in inheritance. However, if a heir foregoes his/her share, diyat cannot be recovered to extend of his/her share.
Conclusion
To conclude, it can be stated that Holy Quran specifies retaliation through principle of Qisas, but prescribes that one should seek compensation and not demand retribution. It reveals that Holy Quran not only explains concept of Qisas, but also explains concept of diyat.
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