LHC questions maintainability of plea against PA resolution
LAHORE: Calling into question the maintainability of a writ petition challenging the resolution by the Punjab Assembly against the media, the Lahore High Court on Wednesday directed the petitioner to establish its maintainability on the next date of hearing.
The judge observed that prima facie proceedings of the assembly had immunity under the Constitution and could not be challenged in a court of law.
After the counsel sought time to establish the maintainability, the court adjourned the hearing for a date to be fixed by the LHC’s registrar office.
Advocate Masud Gujjar had filed a petition stating that it was the duty of the media to keep the people aware about what the elected representatives were doing, and no curbs by the legislators should be imposed on it.
He said the media was the forth pillar of state and no hindrance to its working could be tolerated.
He stated the members of the provincial assembly had transgressed their powers by passing the resolution, violating article 19 and 25 of the Constitution.
He added that the article 19 guaranteed the right of freedom of expression and it was mandatory under the Constitution that all the citizens be kept informed about all the matters of public interest.
He said the parliamentarians were public representatives and the people had a right to know what they are doing.
According to the article 25 of the Constitution, he maintained, all the citizens, including the Prime Minister, were equal in the eyes of the law.
He said that the resolution against the media should be condemned besides the initiation of proceedings against those behind the move.
He also requested the court to order the immediate suspension of the resolution.
Source: The News
Date:7/15/2010
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