File photo of Maulana Abdul Aziz. PHOTO: AFP
“Neither at this stage interim bail can be granted nor application for dispensation can be allowed,” said Additional District & Session Judge-East Raja Asif Mehmood on Monday.
The court directed Aabpara police station SHO to produce Maulana Aziz before the court if he was not already in custody in any other case.
If he is in custody “then a report be submitted,” the court said.
Fresh application filed against Maulana Aziz
Aabpara police had registered a case under Sections 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) read with Section ¾ of the Amplifier Act against Aziz and others.
A separate case under Section 506 (ii) (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the PPC was also registered.
Aziz’s counsel Tariq Asad had submitted on Monday two pre-arrest bail petitions along with an application seeking exemption from personal appearance before the court.
He also filed an application under Section 497 of the Criminal Procedure Code for grant of bail.
The court decided to take up all the petitions together on February 2, and ordered to file fresh bail application in the cases.
I am ready to appear before court: Maulana Abdul Aziz
The judge noted “it is difficult to ascertain, whether he [Aziz] was under detention/arrest or in improper custody”, which is why bail could not be granted at this stage.
In the bail application, Aziz's counsel said the former neither attended any meeting nor delivered an objectionable speech, which aroused religious sentiments of other sects.
The counsel claimed Aziz's name was included in the case to disgrace Lal Masjid.
‘Lal Masjid cleric’s wife failed to substantiate claim’
Police was trying to arrest the petitioner for an offence he never committed, he added.
The counsel also assured that Aziz would cooperate with the LEAs' in the investigation of the case.
Earlier, Aziz had agreed to seek bail if authorities ‘create a conducive atmosphere’ for him to appear before court.
Order available with The Express Tribune
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