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Sunday, October 20, 2013
SC issues detailed ruling in Imran Khan contempt caseISLAMABAD: Nearly two months after absolving Imran Khan of committing contempt of court, the Supreme Court (SC) on Saturday issued its detailed ruling in the case against the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) chief.
Khan had faced the contempt charge over his tirade against the judiciary at a press conference on July 26. He had criticised the role of the judiciary and the Election Commission of Pakistan and had termed it shameful. The PTI chief had alleged that the May 11 general elections had been rigged because of the role played by the two institutions.
Accepting Khan’s explanation for his use of the word ‘sharamnak’ (shameful), the SC in its detailed judgement ruled that the significance of the context in which the word was used must be kept in consideration and hence the PTI chief should be given benefit of doubt in this instance.
The 18-page ruling authored by Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, the judge heading the three member bench which heard the case, said that Khan’s manner towards the courts and towards the judiciary in general was not disrespectful.
The judgement further said that the word ‘sharamnaak’ was used to refer to the attitude of election officials towards the dispensation of their duties.
The short order in this case that had absolved Khan of the contempt charge was issued on August 28.
Prior to being absolved in the case, Khan had said he was ready to go to jail, but would not offer any apology over his remarks. He had said that as a politician it was his right to lodge protest. inp
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk