The premier’s counsel, who had been persistent but unsuccessful in convincing the apex court to delay contempt proceedings against Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, finally succeeded on Tuesday.
Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan appeared before the court, but said he is unable to present his arguments, citing health reasons.
Justice Nasirul Mulk, heading the seven-member trial bench hearing the case asked Aitzaz how he was feeling.
The counsel said he took an extra dose of medicine on the court’s suggestion but that exacerbated his condition.
“Will you be able to give evidences today?” the bench asked.
Aitzaz replied in the negative, saying he was unable to prepare his arguments, but that he has several things to elaborate on.
The bench then asked if he could complete his evidences in five days.
He replied that he could not promise the court.
Aitzaz also complained that due to judges’ remarks, his illness was mocked in the media.
Justice Mulk said the observations were in a ‘light vein.’
The court subsequently accepted his plea and adjourned the case till April 12.
Aitzaz had earlier submitted a sick leave application to the Supreme Court citing ‘food poisoning’ as the reason.
Talking to the media outside the court, Aitzaz said that judges who issued a show-cause notice to Premier Gilani were not eligible to hear the case.
If a notice is taken by the chief justice, then the trial is conducted by another bench, he said.
Aitzaz said the apex court has given six options pertaining to the case and contempt of court is the last option.
Contempt of court is always used as a last resort but the court used it at the outset, he said.
The premier has asked the court to resort to the option of referring the matter to parliament, he added.
Aitzaz said he also has the right of appeal against the decision. If convicted, the premier will go to Adiala jail, he added.
Legal experts present in the court, however, said the premier is safe, until the upcoming budget session at least.
The June budget is possibly the final milestone for the Pakistan Peoples Party’s government before the announcement of the next general election.
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@Aamir: only media
Who is benefiting? All who want to make sure the current government to fail in before the the tenure ends. Read the news from all parties who are threatening to march if Gillani is let off the hook.
too good to be true.....!
This whole drama is nothing but wastage of time and money, not sure as who is benefitting ???