The Supreme Court, in a suo motu hatred of court case, rejected MQM leader Mustafa Kamal’s immediate apology request and granted Senator Faisal Vawda one week to reconsider his response. The court also issued show-cause notices to TV channels for broadcasting contentious press conferences.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, in a firm statement, declared that broadcasting contemptuous material constitutes a serious offense of contempt of court. The 3-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard the suo motu contempt of courtroom case, underscoring the court’s commitment to upholding the law. Mustafa Kamal’s lawyer, Barrister Farogh Naseem, informed the court that Kamal had issued an unconditional apology, in particular for his May 16 press convention, and left himself at the court’s mercy. The Chief Justice inquired whether Kamal’s press conference change was influenced by the aid of Faisal Vawda’s moves yesterday. Naseem spoke back that the timing became coincidental, and Kamal’s conference turned into not contemptuous.
The Chief Justice, in a clear message, questioned why an apology was issued if no contempt had occurred, emphasizing that both Parliament and the judiciary should command respect from the public. The court highlighted that holding a press conference does not equate to seeking an apology or setting a clear standard for public figures. Kamal’s lawyer stated that Kamal is willing to apologize publicly if required, underscoring his respect for the judiciary and the court’s expectations of him.
Judicial Conduct Not for Parliament: AG
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan reminded that judicial conduct cannot be discussed in Parliament. Just as the court cannot take action on parliamentary proceedings. He also pointed out that dual nationality is prohibited for parliamentarians, a law made by Parliament itself. The Chief Justice clarified that the case at hand was about contempt of court, not dual nationality. Stressed the importance of maintaining decorum in public discourse.
The court addressed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). Seeking a cause of a notification banning the broadcast of court docket lawsuits and emphasizing that such bans are unjustified. Chief Justice Isa criticized the media for promoting derogatory content, questioning whether the channels should also be held accountable. The Attorney General agreed that issuing notices to TV channels was appropriate. Stopping the platform for such content would resolve the issue.
The court issued show-cause notices to 34 TV channels that broadcast the press conferences. Asking them to explain within two weeks why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. These notices will be sent through PEMRA. Chief Justice Isa also inquired whether Kamal and Vawda had shown any remorse through another press conference. To which their lawyer responded negatively. The court granted Faisal Vawda a week to reconsider his response, stating that they would evaluate their conduct before proceeding. The hearing was adjourned until June 28.
