LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to compile a report identifying all individuals involved in maligning, scandalising, or attempting to subvert the dignity and authority of the judiciary through social media accounts, directly or indirectly.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa was hearing a petition filed by a lawyer, Chaudhry Pervez Elahi Bhaddar, challenging an alleged character assassination campaign on social media against female judges of the high court.

The judge observed that any conduct amounting to contempt does not enjoy the protection of constitutional liberties and is not immune to legal action.

He maintained that no individual has the licence to scandalise the courts or obstruct the course of justice under the pretext of freedom of expression.

He noted that the law mandates that such acts be dealt with firmly to preserve the authority and sanctity of the judicial institution.

“Respect for the judiciary is of paramount importance in a constitutional framework, as it serves as the cornerstone for the rule of law, the separation of powers and the effective functioning of democratic institutions,” Justice Bajwa observed in his written order.

The judge said the indifference and inaction of the state functionaries amounted to a clear disregard of their statutory obligations.

Advocate General Punjab (AGP) Amjad Pervez appeared before the court and stated that the provincial government shall leave no stone unturned in curbing and countering any campaign aimed at undermining the dignity, independence and authority of the judiciary.

He asserted that any attempt to malign the judiciary is deeply deplorable and must be unequivocally condemned. He sought time to file a comprehensive written reply on the next date of hearing.

Earlier, Advocate Mian Dawood argued on behalf of the petitioner that an organised and deliberate campaign had been launched across various social media platforms with the manifest objective of maligning, scandalising and weakening the authority and dignity of the judiciary.

He said such conduct is not only condemnable, but also poses a serious threat to the independence of the judicial institution and the sanctity of the justice system.

He argued that despite the gravity of the situation, the public functionaries and regulatory authorities showed conspicuous and unexplained inaction.

Justice Bajwa ordered the authorities that any individual found involved in maligning, scandalising, or otherwise attempting to diminish the dignity and authority of the judiciary shall be proceeded against strictly in accordance with law.

The judge summoned the NCCIA director general on the next hearing to explain the apparent failure of cyber policing, which serves as a critical instrument in preventing the circulation of objectionable material on social media platforms.

The judge also sought a report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman, outlining the statutory role and responsibilities of the authority in identifying, blocking and removing contemptuous content from digital and social media.

The judge will resume further hearing on Jan 15.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2026