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'Citizens have a right to comment on court verdicts': SC dismisses contempt petition against Nawaz
The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a contempt of court petition against ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif filed by a leader of former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry's political party.
The petitioner, Sheikh Ahsanuddin, argued that Sharif committed contempt during his speeches at the GT Road rally in the immediate aftermath of his disqualification via the verdict in Panamagate case. "Nawaz Sharif crossed all limits [in his criticism]," the petitioner told the court.
The apex court's bench, however, appeared unmoved by the arguments. "Commenting cleanly on a [court] decision is the right of every citizen," Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar remarked.
The CJP also said that the accused may have "crossed the line" in some other comments but it did not appear to be during his speeches at the GT Road rally. "We have to take notice of contempt, not you," the CJP told the petitioner.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked that judicial forgiveness should be exercised by the courts. He added that the court's limits for forgiveness are broader than those of the petitioner.
The PML-N had stepped up its criticism of the judiciary in the aftermath of Panamagate case, especially targeting the five-member bench that ousted Nawaz Sharif.
Party leader Nehal Hashmi, who has already served a month's sentence for a threatening and contemptuous speech, is also facing another contempt case being heard by the CJP himself.
Contempt cases against state ministers Tallal Chaudhry and Daniyal Aziz are also being heard by the apex court. Charges were framed against Aziz on Tuesday while Chaudhry is expected to be indicted tomorrow.
The SC on Tuesday had dismissed other contempt petitions against Nawaz, his daughter Maryam and his brother Shahbaz Sharif.
Comments (13) Closed
There are always different rules and requirements for the high-level and lower-level people (leaders in this case) so the big guns are not taken care of while the smaller guns will be taken care of in the next few days. But Sharifs time will also come and that would be the final one.
Law should be equal for all. If not, there would be lawlessness.
Mr. Nawaz sharif, There is a big difference between commenting on court verdicts and insulting the judges openly in public rallies.
Fair enough.. Justice is justice. Frivilous law-suits clog the legal system.
This is very strange, however, the reason behind this decision by SC also means that SC does not want them to become political martyrs, which the Sharifs family are desperately looking for.
Another impressive move by this Supreme Court. They are maintaining high standards of objectivity in their understanding of the cases coming before them.
Disagree with the decision,he is not just commenting ,he is insulting the court in every speech he makes,if the judges cant tell the difference between commenting and the insult than peoples have the right to question there wisdom.
Well played by CJ. NS trying his best for plotical martyrdom.
Sign of a mature judiciary. I love this CJ.
By some how the Nawaz and extended family is in illusion and very soon they will living real life behind bars and having luxurious life in dreams. They will never like in their dreams to be out of dream.
judgment should be blind ,same justice for rich and poor ,unfortunate it is not
ْthe people have n right to use abusivve language against judiciary or other institutions
The whole system seems to be favoring the Sharif brothers and their family. It is obvious that application of the law is different as compared with ordinary citizens when it comes to the Sharifs