Govt should consider circumstances for criminal action against Imran: SC
Pakistan
Govt should consider circumstances for criminal action against Imran: SC
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) remarked on Friday that if the government wanted a criminal action in the contempt of court case against Imran Khan, it should take into account the circumstances.
Taking up the contempt case during the hearing, the five-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial questioned how the government could be the affected party.
At the outset, the lawyer representing the Interior Ministry pleaded that Imran Khan was giving a call to his [supporters] for moving towards D-Chowk from May 24 and that he was aware of court’s orders. He said everything was on the record, but he [Imran] misled about the jamming devices of his own and the chief minister.
Justice Muzahir Naqavi remarked that the SC wasn’t a trial court to record evidences as the government’s plea was already ineffective. “The issue of contempt is always between court and the violator. The SC already stated for action subject to its will. Show us any such decision in which the court had taken action in an effective case.”
Justice Naqvi further said the long march was a protest against the government and not a disciplined parade. Upon this, the CJ said the top court received information it demanded. Justice Yaha Afridi also raised objection to hearing of the plea.
Justice Ejaz opined that the May 25 case was disposed of by the SC, so how could the present petition be the continuity of that order? “The SC disposed of the case for being ineffective so how the government could be affected for letting the court begin the contempt proceedings?
The CJ opined that the proceedings regarding contempt were not aimed at punishing someone. He said despite hue and cry against the court, no action was taken. “The court should be judged as per its rulings and not on intentions.”
The lawyer insisted that Imran Khan always wanted to reach D-Chowk and that he issued conflicting statements in the court. Justice Naqvi asked whether D-Chowk was a prohibited place for peaceful protest.
The lawyer replied that the protest was not allowed in the Red Zone. During the hearing, the ministry produced details of tweets of the PTI members. Later, the SC adjourned the case for next week.
