ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court on Wednesday accepted a petition filed by singer Misha Shafi. against Section 20 of Pakistan Electronic Crime Act (PECA), as he ordered officials concerned stay criminal proceedings against her up next hearing.
The Supreme Court has stated that civil litigation against However, the singer regarding slander will continue. bench sent a notice to the prosecutor general and Punjab advocate general for help and postponed trial for an indefinite period.
During the hearing, Judge Qazi Faez Isa said that one The Supreme Court – Islamabad High Court – proclaimed Section 20 void while the other, the Lahore High Court, kept it intact. What will be the constitutional status of two [high court] rulings that contradict each other,” he said. Is it possible to initiate a libel case on criminal law,” he asked.
Misha’s lawyer said that defamation is not a criminal offense and usually a fine is imposed. in case has been proven.
Judge Isa also asked whether Article 20 was in difference from article 19 of Constitution.” Why does freedom of speech become criminal act,” Judge Isa asked.
Referee added will there be a verdict for “Call thief a thief”. “If someone calls someone thief or a killer, they will punished for just saying it? Judge Isa asked.
“Today you will hear only “thieves, thieves”. on every TV channel,” the judge said, adding that the fingers were also pointing to the judges why?
All of these campaigns attract defamation case, lawyer Zafar added.
Justice Isa added that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) turned a blind eye to content of forbidden outfits on social media but it will quickly turn into action on one tweet. “In Pakistan, you could say anything about anyone and not one will bother to take action”, the judge added.
Judge Isa said during military Dictator Ziaul Haq rule, women were convicted under the ruling on Kazfa. He, however, added Islam bestowed complete protection to women.
Ali Zafar’s lawyer said campaign was started on social media defame your client. Judge Isa said he knows and understands slander on social media and adjourned the hearing.
