LHC seeks replies on plea to regulate Aurat March

Court fixes March 3 for arguments on objection raised over maintainability of petition

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Mamoon Rashid Sheikh has sought replies from the quarters concerned on an application seeking directives to regulate the ‘Aurat March’ in red zone areas and strictly implement social media laws to restrain advertisement of such activities.

CJ Mamoon directed the federal government, DIG operations and FIA Cybercrime Cell to submit their replies on the application in which the petitioner requested the court to implement social media laws and Punjab Red Zone (Establishment and Security) Act 2018 to regulate protests such as Aurat March.

The chief justice also issued notice to the petitioner’s side on an application filed by senior lawyer and human rights activist Hina Jilani and fixed March 3 for arguments on an objection she raised over the maintainability of the petition.

As the proceedings commenced, Jilani in her opening arguments contended that Aurat March is held peacefully to highlight the importance of women in society. She asked what nexus of the petitioner was with Aurat March and why he wanted to stop its advertisement on social media.

Artist Shehzil Malik calls for Aurat March poster design submissions

She added that it was astonishing that the petition had been admitted without hearing them despite their objections over its maintainability. Justice Mamoon remarked that the petition had not been admitted yet.

Petitioner’s counsel Azhar Siddique argued that they did not want to stop the march. He said there was no logic which could accept posters and placards inscribed with immoral content carried by women. He said there should be a framework or limitations on holding the march.

The chief justice asked how restrictions could be imposed as there was freedom of expression. As far as the business community on The Mall road is concerned there is a public holiday (Sunday) on the day when it (Aurat March) will be held, secondly, everyone has the right to freedom of expression, thirdly the DIG will inform the court about the status of security, the CJ observed.

Advocate Jilani said the march was also held last year and it drew mudslinging from some segments of the society but a police officials report had confirmed that the event was peaceful.

Aurat March petition

She said it was a matter between those organising the march and the administration and she was at a loss to understand why the petitioner wanted sanctions on its advertisement on social media.

The petitioner had contended in his petition that rallies voicing support for women’s liberation were going to be held across the country to commemorate the International Women’s Day. He said the basic purpose of the day was to recognise and appreciate women for their achievements as well as solidarity with women struggling all over the world against cruelty, discrimination, ignorance and domestic violence, but not to cross all limits or criticise and abuse the men.

He alleged that there were various anti-state parties which were funding the march for the purpose of spreading anarchy.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2020.