Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 — Section 367: Language of judgment

367. Language of judgment. Contents of judgment.__ (1) Every such judgment shall, except as otherwise expressly provided by this Code, be written by the presiding officer of the Court 8[or from the dictation of such presiding officer] in the language of the Court, or in English; and shall contain the point or points for determination, the decision thereon and the reasons for the decision; and shall be dated and signed by the presiding officer in open Court at the time of pronouncing it 1[and where it is not written by the presiding officer with his own hand, every page of such judgment shall be signed by him].

(2)It shall specify the offence (if any) of which, and the section of the Pakistan Penal Code (XLV of 1860) or other law under which, the accused is convicted, and the punishment to which he is sentenced.

(3)Judgment in alternative. When the conviction is under the Pakistan Penal Code (XLV of 1860) and it is doubtful under which of two sections, or under which of two parts of the same section, of that Code the offence falls, the Court shall distinctly express the same, and pass judgment in the alternative.

(4)If it be a judgment of acquittal, it shall state the offence of which the accused is acquitted and direct that he be set at liberty.

(5)If the accused is convicted of an offence punishable with death, and the Court sentences him to any punishment other than death, the Court shall in its judgment state the reason why sentence of death was not passed 2[.] 3 [* * * * * * *]