Islamabad District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Tanvir Mir on Saturday reserved judgment on the petition filed by counsel for former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Chaudhry, raising objections on power of attorney in respect of Advocate Babar Awan, counsel for Imran Khan, in defamation suit against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief.
Advocate Sheikh Ahsanuddin appeared on behalf of former CJP while Advocate Khawar Amir Bokhari represented PTI chief Khan in the court.
Sheikh said that Awan had not filed reply to the objection raised against his power of attorney despite court’s orders. “The rival party is breaching court’s dignity. Not complying to court’s orders falls in the ambit of contempt of court,” he said.
Bokhari said that the court had no jurisdiction to hear this case because “no district court can hear damage claim case exceeding Rs 100 million”. He said the lawyers of the petitioner have also never filed reply on the petitions filed by his side.
“We respect courts. However, raising objection within the parameters of law and constitution is our right,” Bokhari said.
The court expressed displeasure over non-compliance of court orders. Replying to Bokhari, the judge asked him to resort to high court in case of issues with sessions court orders. Reserving judgment, the court indefinitely adjourned case hearing.