Azmat vs. The State, PLD 2009 SC 768 (Pakistan)

A brother and sister killed their father, stepmother and two minor stepsisters. The two accused then submitted an application for acquittal on the strength of the forgiveness of their three siblings. The trial court denied the application for acquittal, directed the prosecution to proceed with the presentation of evidence. The Supreme Court upheld the denial and provided guidance on what to consider in approving or rejecting an application to compound an offense, including the verification of whether all the heirs are joined in the compromise, requirements for compromise by a wali who is a minor, determination of whether the case is one of fasad-fil-arz (corruption on earth) and thus, not acquitted despite a compromise, and determination of any facts which could persuade the court to prohibit the compromise.