March 18, 2016
News
SC rejects apology of officials linked to ex-CJ’s manhandling
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday rejected an apology tendered by 11 officials, including former Islamabad commissioner Khalid Pervez and former deputy commissioner Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, in a contempt of court case.
Hearing the former chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry manhandling case, the court remarked that a three-member bench had already discussed the matter relating to the apology and it would give its decision on merit after hearing arguments.
Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali remarked, “This case is not a case of the former chief justice in his individual capacity, but a case of dignity and prestige of the institution. Individual matters lead to ruination of institutions. The officers consider themselves more loyal to the king than the law. Now the matter of apology cannot be talked about. Give arguments on merit. We will give decision after hearing the arguments. We will review all aspects of the case. Such steps cannot be allowed with reference to institutions.”
Justice Mian Saqib Nisar remarked, “Police officers cannot say that they have not been given an opportunity to defend themselves. You want the matter to be shifted to the trial court, but the chief justice wants you to give arguments on merit.”
Dr Khalid Ranjha, Ibrahim Satti and other lawyers appeared on behalf of Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, Khalid Pervez, Jamil Hashmi, Rukhsar Mehdi, Seraj Khan and others.
They told the court that all the aforementioned officers had retired therefore the court should withdraw its observation. Chaudhry Muhammad Ali and Khalid Pervez were imprisoned for 15 days, while Rukhsar Mehdi and Jamil Hashmi were sentenced to imprisonment until rising of the court. Justice Amir Hani Muslim said, “You are saying this in a way as if they have done nothing. These are the officers who chalked out the security plan.”
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk