The National Press has reported that the Cabinet has approved a draft bill for new contempt court law that makes the President, PM, CMs and Ministers immune from Contempt of Court proceeding under Article 204-1. However Article 25. Equality of citizens. (1) states that “All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law.” Article 8 states in respect of Fundamental rights that Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of fundamental rights to be void.” How can the immunity extended to above mentioned persons be declared in respect of Contempt of Court. This would mean that these Government functionaries could indulge in Contempt of Court to their hearts content thus flouting the Article 25(1) of the Constitution embodying a fundamental right. This would be negation of the basic fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution which could not be abridged by any amendment which could otherwise be subject to judicial review. The so-called wizards of Government ought to realise the tenuous nature of their new amendment that may not stand the scrutiny of Apex Court.
DR. MUHAMMAD YAQOOB BHATTI,
Lahore, July 5.