LAHORE - The Lahore High Court on Monday adjourned for Tuesday (today) a petition seeking contempt proceedings against PML-N leader Maryam Safdar for her alleged contemptuous remarks against judges, as the petitioner was not available.
Justice Mamoon Rashid took up the petition but a lawyer told the judge that original counsel Azhar Siddique was engaged in the Supreme Court in another case. On this, the judge deferred the hearing till today.
Amna Malik, a member of civil society network, moved the petition, arguing that on November 8, 2017, a press statement was released by PML-N and its leadership in which Maryam Nawaz committed contempt of court, as she ridiculed and scandalised judges. She also defamed judges of the superior courts apart from hitting the institutions. This is a crime, the petitioner said. She annexed clippings of Maryam’s statements telecast by various news channels and published by newspapers. The petitioner said Absar Alam as chairman of Pemra was equally responsible for defamation of judges. She asked the court to initiate contempt proceedings against Maryam and Pemra Chairman Absar Alam over contempt of court.
RESIGNATION: The LHC on Monday sought a copy of resignation tendered by Punjab Chief Information Commissioner Naseer Ahmad Bhutta.
The chief justice took up the petition moved by Chaudhry Shoaib Saleem against appointment of the information commissioner. A law officer said the petition had become infractuous as the chief information commissioner had tendered resignation a few days ago. However, the CJ asked the law officer to present a copy of the resignation at the next hearing. The lawyer had said the appointment was made in violation of merit and relevant rules and regulations. He asked the court to set aside his appointment.
