Senator Faisal Raza Abidi. PHOTO: APP
Hearing the contempt notice, the apex court’s three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, also rejected an unconditional apology of a private TV channel’s owner. The bench issued show cause notice to the owner, asking him that why the contempt proceedings should not be initiated for airing contemptuous programme.
“The channel should be ashamed. Does this qualify as freedom of speech,” questioned Justice Nisar. “Do they not watch the programme before broadcasting it?”
Imtinan Shahid, who is chief executive officer (CEO) of that private channel, appeared before the court and admitted that it was a mistake to broadcast that programme.
Top court summons Faisal Raza Abidi tomorrow over 'anti-judiciary' remarks
“If it was a mistake, then submit your response against the contempt notice,” the top judge said. To this, the CEO responded by saying that they have tendered an apology and had terminated the anchor.
“Is this the way to tender an apology? Where is Faisal Raza Abidi,” the CJP remarked. “You resort to an apology after broadcasting the programme? We do not accept your apology,” said the chief justice.
The bench also expressed regret that they treated Zia Shahid, owner of the Khabrain Group, with respect but he brought Abidi on TV screen to scandalise the court.
The court also said that if Abidi did not appear before the court at the next hearing, the SHO concerned should arrest him and produce him before the court. The court adjourned the hearing till May 3.
On Tuesday, the apex court issued a contempt notice to Abidi over his reported use of derogatory language against the judiciary on a private television channel.
Hearing postponed on contempt plea against Sindh's CM, chief secretary
Abidi, during a programme aired on the private TV channel, used derogatory language against top judge. Furthermore, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) also banned the channel’s programme for three months, in addition to imposing a fine of Rs1 million.
The authority also directed the channel to air an apology on the same day as the hearing. The channel was further directed that any violation of the order would lead to the cancellation of its operating license.
Pemra had on April 13 issued a show cause notice to the channel and sought an explanation over the reported anti-judiciary remarks.
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