SC pins hope on cybercrime bill

A four-judge bench was hearing the case regarding campaigns being run on social media aimed at maligning the judiciary

KARACHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed the hope that with the passage of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill, 2015 issues relating to freedom of expression and campaigns to malign state institutions on social and electronic media would be addressed effectively.

A four-judge bench headed by Justice Amir Hani Muslim was hearing the case regarding campaigns being run on social media aimed at maligning the judiciary, which enjoys constitutional protection from being discussed even in parliament or at public forums.

During the last hearing, the court had directed the Pemra chief to submit a list of cases in which the authority had taken action against TV channels that were accused of violating the code of conduct.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Pemra chairperson Absar Alam requested for more time to provide the information about the cases in high courts awaiting a decision.

The bench, while allowing one month’s time, directed Alam to also provide complete details of those cases that contain contemptuous material about judges and the judiciary.

Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf informed the bench that matters relating to the dignity of state institutions as well as freedom of expression had been kept into consideration while making the cybercrime law.

Responding to the bench’s query regarding implementation of the law, the AGP said it would require specialised courts that will be established after consulting chief justices of high courts. The AGP informed the bench that the new law would come into force by September this year.

The case was adjourned for a date to be fixed after summer vacations.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2016.