Contempt of court: IHC bench summons channel owner, host, producers

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday directed a TV channel owner to personally appear before it in connection with 'Apna Apna Gareban’ programme telecast on Feb 5 in which contemptuous remarks were passed against the court.

An IHC bench had taken notice of the remarks and directed the owner, host and producers to appear before the court. On Monday, the bench directed the owner to personally appear in court on the next date of hearing or her warrants of arrest will be issued.

The bench had directed the respondents to appear before the court and explain 'why contempt of court proceedings may not be initiated against them for hosting a malicious programme with stinking approach and why Pemra may not be directed to initiate proceedings for cancellation of the TV channel’s licence. The bench was told that the owner could not travel from Lahore to Islamabad due to ailment after which the matter was put off till Feb 16.

"Since proceedings initiated by this court are criminal in nature, therefore, her personal attendance is directed, as this court intends to play the programme in the presence of respondent No.2 (owner) in open court and then to proceed further in this matter," the court order said.