A three-member bench of the Lahore High Court on Wednesday adjourned hearing of petitions against Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain till November 17.
The bench comprising Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Mazhar Iqbal Sidhu and Justice Erum Sajad Gull was hearing three identical petitions filed by Abdullah Malik and others for proceedings against Altaf Hussain under Article 6 of the Constitution due to his anti-Pakistan and anti-armed forces speeches.
The petitioner had also filed a contempt application over violation of court orders by the media.
During the hearing, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) acting chairman submitted record of notices issued to TV channels over violation of court orders.
Altaf Hussain’s counsel Asma Jehangir argued that freedom of speech was a fundamental right and guaranteed under Article 19A of the constitution but the bench had imposed a ban on broadcasting speeches of his client.
However, the court observed that the ban was imposed on violation of Article 19A as there were certain provisions in this article which required strict observance and nobody could be allowed to disobey them.
The bench also expressed dissatisfaction over the affidavit submitted by Altaf Hussain earlier. The affidavit did not comply with orders as required, the court said.
The petitioners’ counsel agreed with the court’s remarks, and added that the requirements were not fulfilled. To which, Jahangir said that no written orders were passed by the bench in this regard.
If the bench passed a written order then the affidavit would be submitted accordingly, Jahangir said. At this, the bench asked her to submit an affidavit as per Article 19A of the Constitution.
The bench said that it would pass the written order, if she agreed.
However, Jehangir sought time to get instructions from his client in this regard.
The bench adjourned hearing in the case till November 17.