SC disqualifies Talal Chaudry in contempt case

The Supreme Court of Pakistan announced its verdict in the contempt of court case against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Talal Chaudry on Thursday. 

Supreme Court found PML-N leader, Talal Chaudhry, guilty of violating Article 204 of the Constitution. 

Justice Gulzar Ahmad, who was heading the three-member bench, read out the court's verdict, Chaudhry was sentenced 'till the rising of the court' that is considered as a relatively lenient and symbolic punishment which remains until the court is in session. Moreover, Chaudhry was fined Rs 0.1 million. 

Furthermore, Talal Chaudhry has been disqualified by the Supreme Court for five years.  

Talal Chaudhry, a former minister of state for interior, was ordered by the Supreme Court to ensure his presence during today’s proceedings, which were based on a suo motu notice on his 'anti-judiciary' speech during a party rally in Jaranwala in January this year. 

He appeared before the court today along with his lawyer Kamran Murtaza. 

Afterwards, while talking to media, Talal Chaudhry said that he will file a review petition against his disqualification. But, according to the Legal experts, in contempt cases it is very unlikely that a verdict is reversed. 

Chaudry said, "I accept this result if it increases the court's standing."

Earlier, the Court had reserved its verdict on the case on July 11 after beginning proceedings in February.

The Supreme Court had initiated contempt proceedings against Chaudry on account of "derogatory and contemptuous speeches/statements" with regard to the court, according to a notification issued on February 2.

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt