- SC tasks attorney general for taking action against those who posted banners against SC judges
- Justice Khawaja says freedom of expression does not mean that people cross limits
The Supreme Court (SC) has given nine days to the attorney general for taking action against culprits who posted banners and posters against some judges of the apex court.
As a two-member SC bench headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja heard the case Wednesday, the attorney general, on behalf of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) DG and Interior secretary, submitted reports in the court.
The court released written orders over the issue, saying that some media organisations were trying to create hurdles in way of national institutions. The court also provided a script of the programme to the attorney general, asking him to investigate the case and submit a report with the court.
Justice Khawaja also cited the case of a newspaper which linked a statement pertaining to missing persons’ case with him. Regretting that some people posted banners against the judges, he clarified that no such remark was given during the hearing.
Justice Khawaja stated that he did not care about himself but as an institution, judiciary should not be criticised. Freedom of expression did not mean that people start crossing limits, he added. He remarked that a framework should be developed and properly implemented in order to avoid irresponsible reporting by newspapers and TV channels.
The Attorney General assured the court that the government would be informed about the matter.
Justice Jawwad said Attorney General had submitted reports on behalf of Attorney General and DG Intelligence Bureau. The report stated that Shafiq Butt and two of his companions Muhammad Nazar and Muhammad Waqar were arrested in the case and an FIR 234/14 was registered against them.
The attorney general sought more time to further investigate the case while Press Association President Khudayar Mohla appeared before the court saying that the draft of code of conduct for reporting has been distributed in all associations and it will be finalised after taking all stakeholders on board.
Press Association member Matiullah Jan said that no code of conduct should be formed without hearing all stakeholders.
