Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The contempt cases against the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leaders Dniyal Aziz and Tallal Chaudhry are going to be heard on Tuesday by Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan with a three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC).

The Supreme Court issued a show-cause notice to Federal Privatization Minister Daniyal Aziz on February 19. Earlier, the Court had issued a contempt of court notice on February 2 in light of his controversial speeches and statements on various occasions.

On March 5, Aziz had submitted a reply to the court assuring that as a member of the parliament he showed utmost respect to all the state institutions, including the judiciary. He added that he undoubtedly believes in the supremacy of the constitution and cannot possibly think to disregard the standing of state institutions.

Aziz presented his argument, stating that the media had aired his comments out of context, requesting the court to take back the issued show-cause notice.

The contempt case against State Interior Minister Tallal Chaudhry is in session today after the last hearing on February 26 was adjourned.

The Court had issued a court of contempt notice in observance of his anti-judiciary remarks. However, the defendant had filed a request to withdraw the case on February 24, stating that slandering the court into hatred, ridicule or contempt was not the intention.

He added that his words had been played out of context or aired without relevance by the media.

Furthermore, Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar will hear the appeal of Senetor Nehal Hashmi, following his disqualification. The Senator was sentenced to jail for a month with a disqualification for five years by the Supreme Court due to his contemptuous remarks about the court last year.