Supreme Court Issues Show Cause Notices to 34 TV Channels Over Contempt Allegations
On June 5, the Supreme Court of Pakistan issued show cause notices to 34 television channels, directing them to explain why they should not face contempt proceedings for broadcasting remarks from lawmakers critical of the judiciary.
The controversy stems from separate press conferences by Senator Faisal Vawda and Member of National Assembly Mustafa Kamal at the National Press Club in Islamabad on May 15, where they reportedly launched harsh criticisms against the judiciary. These pressers were covered extensively by the media.
The notices served through the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), demand the channels explain why contempt proceedings shouldn’t be initiated against them for broadcasting the politicians’ speeches, which Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa characterized as containing “obscene language.”
The apex court also sought an explanation from Pemra regarding its recent ban on reporting court proceedings, which was criticized by the Supreme Court Bar Association for hindering transparency and public access to information.
The Supreme Court also took exception over Pemra allowing the broadcast of the allegedly contemptuous press conferences while restricting court reporting. CJ Isa warned that if Pemra continued to create hurdles in court proceedings, “something more” would happen.
Vawda and Kamal’s lawyers presented their defenses, with Kamal’s attorney offering an unconditional apology, which was rejected by the court. Vawda’s counsel requested more time to prepare a response, highlighting similar remarks made by other politicians without consequence.The court adjourned the case until June 28, giving Vawda a week to submit his response. In the meantime, all 34 TV channels must respond to the contempt notices within two weeks.
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