The Supreme Court of Pakistan will conduct hearing in the contempt notice issued to MQM chief Altaf Hussain today. The apex court had directed Altaf thorough a notice to appear on January 7 for his remarks against the court during a public gathering. On the other hand, the MQM’s legal team headed by Barrister Nasim Farogh moved a plea in the Supreme Court on Friday, seeking permission for MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar or any lawyer to represent Altaf and excuse from his personal appearance before the court. The Supreme Court on December 14 issued a show-cause notice to MQM chief Altaf Hussain for using contemptuous and derogatory language against the judiciary and directed him to appear before the court to explain his position on January 7. A three-member SC bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry issued the notice under Article 204 read with Section 3 of Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003, while hearing the Karachi law and order case. It asked the MQM chief to appear before the court and explain why contempt proceeding should not be initiated against him for criticising the judiciary. Following Supreme Court’s judgment on delimitation of constituencies in Karachi, Altaf criticised SC judges in a telephonic address to a party rally on November 30, calling remarks made by judges in the case unconstitutional and undemocratic.
SC to take up Altaf contempt case today
