SC seeks PPP activist’s reply over his derogatory speech against CJP

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Monday directed Masoodur Rehman, an activist of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), to submit his reply by July 2 over his derogatory speech against Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed. A four-member apex court larger bench, headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial, heard the contempt of court proceedings against the PPP activist. Last week, the court had issued a show-cause notice to Masoodur Rehman over his alleged derogatory speech against the CJP.

The court had directed that the Inspector General of Police should ensure production of the alleged contemnor and adjourned the hearing till June 28. The Sindh police Monday produced before the court Masoorur Rehman, who confessed to his speech against the CJP.

Justice Ijazul Ahsen, member of the bench, asked Masood as to whether he was in senses when he delivered the speech against the CJP. The alleged contemnor, however, pleaded that he wanted to submit something about his speech. Justice Umer Ata Bandial directed the alleged contemnor that he should submit in writing whatever he wanted to say.

The judge observed that the court wanted to conclude the matter at the earliest, and also issued a notice to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). During the hearing, representatives of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) told the court that no TV channel aired the speech of the alleged contemnor. Justice Ijazul Ahsen asked as to whether the derogatory stuff had been removed from Facebook?

The PTA, however, submitted before the court it would be removed after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) collect the evidence, adding that had the derogatory stuff been removed, it could have affected the investigation process.

Meanwhile, the court adjourned further hearing until July 2, after seeking reply from the alleged contemnor. The FIA had told the Supreme Court that the audio and video, in which Masoodur Rehman, General Secretary PPP Sindh, had made indecent and disrespectful remarks about the CJP, was genuine and no editing was made in the video/audio.