The Lahore High Court has referred petitions challenging the Punjab Defamation Act 2024 to the chief justice after objections raised by the provincial government during ongoing proceedings in Monday hearing. Justice Anwaar Hussain made the decision after lawyers from both sides presented arguments regarding jurisdiction and procedural handling of the constitutional challenge case. The petitions question the legality of the law passed in June 2024, which aimed to regulate defamation claims in media and public discourse. Meanwhile, the court directed administrative review to determine the appropriate bench for further hearings in the case.
The Punjab government defended the defamation law, arguing that it was necessary to protect public officials from false and damaging claims circulated through print, electronic, and social media platforms. Officials maintained that the legislation was designed to ensure accountability in reporting while discouraging misinformation that could harm reputations and public trust in institutions. However, petitioners strongly opposed the law, claiming it restricts press freedom and limits democratic accountability by increasing legal pressure on journalists and citizens. The debate has continued since the law’s passage in June 2024, drawing strong reactions from civil society groups.
Read more : Lahore high court announces judges’ roster for march-may
Shortly after the law was enacted, more than a dozen petitions were filed in the Lahore High Court by journalists, lawyers, political workers, and civil society representatives challenging its constitutional validity. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also criticized the legislation, describing it as a serious threat to freedom of expression and press independence across the province. Petitioners argued that the law creates barriers for investigative journalism and discourages reporting on powerful individuals or government institutions. They further stated that such restrictions could weaken transparency and reduce public access to important information.
During earlier hearings, lawyers representing the petitioners argued that several provisions of the defamation law place excessive limits on media professionals and individuals seeking to hold authorities accountable. They stated that the law could be misused to silence criticism and create fear among journalists covering sensitive or controversial issues in public interest reporting. Government lawyers, however, insisted that the law was carefully drafted to balance freedom of expression with protection against defamation and reputational harm. The court had been hearing detailed arguments from both sides over several sessions before the latest development.
Read more : Lahore high court launches integrated criminal justice system
On Monday, proceedings were interrupted when the provincial government’s counsel raised an objection regarding the continuation of the case before the existing bench. The lawyer argued that since the law allows the chief justice to appoint tribunals under its framework, the matter should be reviewed for appropriate bench formation under judicial supervision. However, opposing counsel argued that transferring a part-heard case at this stage would be procedurally improper and could delay justice unnecessarily in an ongoing constitutional matter. After hearing both sides, the court decided to refer the matter to the chief justice for administrative allocation.
Following a brief recess, Justice Anwaar Hussain formally ruled that the case should be sent to the Lahore High Court chief justice to determine the appropriate bench for further proceedings. The decision effectively pauses current hearings until a new bench is constituted or the case is reassigned under judicial review procedures. Legal observers note that the outcome of this petition could have significant implications for media regulation and free speech standards in Punjab. Meanwhile, all parties await further scheduling decisions as the constitutional challenge remains unresolved.