HYDERABAD, Oct 12: A division bench of Sindh High Court, Hyderabad circuit, comprising Mr.Justice Shabbir Ahmed and Mr.Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, has directed Additional AG Sindh to examine an audio cassette and prepare its transcript to verify the charges of blasphemy against a petitioner, Maulvi Ghulam Shabbir.
Shabbir was charged with sections 295-A, 295-C, 298-A, 504 PPC read with section 6 and 7 of Anti Terrorism Act (ATA). The case was lodged against him at Bhitshah police station on the complaint of one Kamran Hussain Khaskheli.
He was arrested and the case was challaned before ATC Hyderabad. His bail application was also rejected by the court.
He has filed the petition to seek bail in the case.
His lawyer contended in the petition that his client had been falsely implicated by people of a particular sect.
He added that the provisions of section 295-A and 298-A PPC were non-cognisable offence and police had no authority or power to arrest him adding that same sections were not applicable in the case.
He pointed out that the alleged tape was fabricated and had been manipulated by the complainant party. He denied that his client had delivered any such sermon. He said that all the witnesses were interested persons in the matter.
The court noted that the transcript of the audio cassette had not been prepared during investigation though the cassette was seized.
The court directed the AAG to make necessary arrangements in order to transcribe contents of the audio cassette in presence of counsel of applicant.
Its copy would be filed in the court for the purpose of disposal of the application.
The matter has been adjourned to October 23.
