Aitzaz likely to conclude arguments in contempt case today

A seven-member SC bench will resume today (Monday) hearing of the contempt case against Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and it is expected that PM’s counsel Senator Aitzaz Ahsan will conclude his arguments. The bench consists of Justice Nasirul Mulk, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany, Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Athar Saeed. Aitzaz will continue his arguments on Article 10-A amid his contentions that the existing contempt of court ordinance 2003 stood void after incorporation of Article 10-A in the Constitution through the 18th Amendment. He might properly challenge the contempt of court ordinance 2003 today. He contends that Article 10-A gives right of a fair trial to every citizen, thus under this article, the bench which had already served show cause notice to the premier was not competent to conduct the trial proceedings. Aitzaz says that although Article 204 of the constitution deals with contempt but Article 10-A is a governing law, thus it should be followed for due process of law and ensuring and safeguarding the fundamental rights of the citizens. The PM’s counsel says prosecution of any case will not be possible if Article-10A is considered independent of all laws. He says since the matter relates to the qualification and disqualification of the prime minister, thus it is necessary that fair trial must be conducted.