LHC bans filming, warns of phone confiscation

Area designated for journalists exempted

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has banned video recording and photography across its premises, including courtrooms, corridors, waiting areas and offices, with violators facing possible confiscation of the mobile phone used for recording.

The restriction, approved by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, has been notified by the LHC registrar.

The ban applies to lawyers, police officials, journalists, litigants and visitors to the court. However, the area designated for journalists has been exempted from the restriction.

According to the notification, the phone used for unauthorised recording may be confiscated, while strict action would be taken against violators in accordance with law. Registrar Abdul Rahim directed all concerned to ensure strict implementation of the circular.

Online testimony

The LHC adjourned for two weeks the hearing of an application seeking permission for Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari to record her statement through video link in a case concerning the alleged circulation of an objectionable clip.

Justice Abher Gul Khan adjourned the proceedings after counsel for activist Falak Javed submitted a power of attorney.

The minister's counsel also placed additional documents on record along with the application.

The counsel submitted that the applicant was being subjected to propaganda on different platforms and requested the court to pass an order on the miscellaneous application.

According to the application, the main case against the applicant was pending before the trial court, but her position as a senior public office-holder exposed her to security threats.

The counsel argued that because of the security concerns, the minister could not safely appear before the trial court in person and should, therefore, be allowed to record her statement through video link.

The application stated that the law provides a facility for recording evidence or appearing through video link and requested the LHC to set aside the trial court's decision rejecting her request.