Supreme Court Bans Media from Airing Material Contemptuous of Judiciary After Politicians’ Press Conferences
On May 18, the Supreme Court of Pakistan issued a written order restraining all media outlets from airing or publishing material that could be considered contemptuous of the court. This decision came in response to press conferences held by Senator Faisal Vawda and Member of National Assembly Mustafa Kamal, where they allegedly made “malicious and serious allegations against the judiciary” and commented on sub judice cases.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court highlighted that Senator Vawda conducted a press conference on May 15 at the National Press Club, which received live coverage on various TV channels. Moreover, the event was streamed online and shared across social media platforms. The bench noted that excerpts from his speech were also featured in several newspapers. Similarly, the following day, MNA Kamal held a comparable press conference at the same location, which was likewise broadcast live by multiple TV networks.
The court issued show-cause notices to both politicians, giving them two weeks to explain their statements. They are also required to appear before the court on June 5.
The court’s order warned that any media outlet found to be broadcasting or publishing contemptuous material could also be held in contempt of court. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has been directed to submit recordings and transcripts of the press conferences in question.
The court’s order said that Article 19 of the Constitution grants every citizen the right of speech, but it also places restrictions with regard to the contempt of court. It further said that Article 204 of the Constitution defines the contempt of court. The matter is also attended by the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003, it added.
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