ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued contempt of court notices to television channels for airing press conferences deemed contemptuous towards the judiciary.
A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and including Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, issued the written order for contempt proceedings against lawmakers Faisal Vawda and Mustafa Kamal due to their disparaging remarks about the judiciary.
In its written order, the Supreme Court mentioned that show-cause notices were issued to 34 TV channels. Of these, the explanations provided by 26 channels were deemed “not justifiable” by CJP Isa.
The court’s order noted, “Those operating the said television channels were only issued a notice (and not a show cause notice). However, they have elected not to avail of the opportunity provided to them to reflect, relent and, if they so consider, to apologise.”
During the hearing, it was revealed that despite the “contemptuous comments,” these channels continued to broadcast and later re-broadcast the press conferences.
The court expressed its disappointment and concern, highlighting the ease with which false information can spread in today’s age and the need for extra caution. “We inquired whether any retraction or apology was broadcast by any of the channels, and it transpired that this was not done. We are not unmindful that being commercial enterprises television channels make money by broadcasting and advertisements,” the order stated.
Consequently, the court said: “We are constrained to issue show cause notices to all 34 channels to show cause as to why they should not be proceeded against for committing contempt of court.” The responses to the show-cause notices are to be submitted within two weeks.
The replies should address: (1) whether the press conferences were preceded by advertisements, (2) whether there were any advertisements during the press conferences, (3) whether there were advertisements after the press conferences concluded, (4) whether the press conferences were re-broadcast, (5) whether extracts from the press conferences were broadcast, and (6) the amounts received for such advertisements.
The Supreme Court emphasized that it will not tolerate any violation of its orders and will take action against those who defy them. The court also warned the TV channels about being held accountable for spreading false information.
On May 17, a three-judge Supreme Court bench issued contempt notices to independent Senator Faisal Vawda and MQM-P MNA Mustafa Kamal for making “malicious” allegations against the judiciary and its judges.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court issued show-cause notices to 34 television channels, asking them to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated for airing the lawmakers’ remarks.
During the last hearing, the Supreme Court accepted the apologies tendered by Faisal Vawda and Mustafa Kamal for their attacks on the judiciary but warned them against “further transgression.”
