LHC seeks govt reply to pleas against defamation law

The Lahore High Court, seeking a reply from the provincial government by July 29, has remarked that a defamation act about which numerous questions have arisen should not be promulgated.

LHC Justice Amjad Rafiq was hearing petitions filed by Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar and journalists challenging the Defamation Act 2024.

As the hearing commenced, Justice Rafiq remarked that the court would not grant a stay if any proceedings under this act were avoided.

Advocate General Khalid Ishaq told the court that the act had not yet been promulgated. He said rules were being made for the formation of the tribunals for hearing cases falling under the Defamation Act.

The advocate general contended that no affected person was present in the courtroom.

Justice Rafiq remarked that it was not mandatory that only the effected person could approach the courts, adding anyone could approach them if there was a violation of the basic rights.

When the AGP raised the question whether any affected person had approached the court against whom proceedings under the act had been started, the judge asked if he expected the courts to wait for the complaints.

The AGP replied that the court could summon him when proceedings against anyone were confirmed.

Petitioners Jaffar Ahmad Yar and Riaz Ahamad Raja had filed a petition through advocates Shahbaz Akmal Jandran and Nadeem Sarwar, requesting the court to suspend the operation of the ordinance till the decision on the plea.

They contended that the defamation bill had been signed by Acting Governor Malik Muhmmad Ahmad Khan in haste despite concerns from journalists, human rights organisations and opposition legislators.