Ex-CJP defamation case: Court directs Babar Awan to submit fresh reply
Awan is defending PTI chief Imran Khan in a Rs20 billion defamation suit
PPP Senator Babar Awan. PHOTO: RASHID AJMERI/ EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
A district and sessions court directed on Saturday directed former law minister Babar Awan to submit a reply by April 11 in connection with former Supreme Court chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry’s application requesting the court to reject Awan’s power of attorney.
Awan is defending PTI chief Imran Khan in a Rs20 billion defamation suit filed by the former CJ over Khan’s claim that Chaudhry had a hand in rigging the May 2013 elections.
In the hearing, Chaudhry’s counsel Sheikh Ahsanuddin raised an objection, claiming that under bar rules , Awan could not appear and represent Khan due to a conflict of interest.
He maintained that Awan has a grudge against his client as the former CJP had ruled against him in several apex court cases.
In the previous hearing, the court issued a notice to Awan and sought his reply over the objections raised by the CJP’s counsels. Awan’s assistant, Khawar Mir, said that Awan was counsel to Imran Khan and since the case was filed against Khan, the reply was submitted by him. Besides, he added, everyone is free to hire the lawyer of their choice.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 1st, 2015.
A district and sessions court directed on Saturday directed former law minister Babar Awan to submit a reply by April 11 in connection with former Supreme Court chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry’s application requesting the court to reject Awan’s power of attorney.
Awan is defending PTI chief Imran Khan in a Rs20 billion defamation suit filed by the former CJ over Khan’s claim that Chaudhry had a hand in rigging the May 2013 elections.
In the hearing, Chaudhry’s counsel Sheikh Ahsanuddin raised an objection, claiming that under bar rules , Awan could not appear and represent Khan due to a conflict of interest.
He maintained that Awan has a grudge against his client as the former CJP had ruled against him in several apex court cases.
In the previous hearing, the court issued a notice to Awan and sought his reply over the objections raised by the CJP’s counsels. Awan’s assistant, Khawar Mir, said that Awan was counsel to Imran Khan and since the case was filed against Khan, the reply was submitted by him. Besides, he added, everyone is free to hire the lawyer of their choice.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 1st, 2015.