Turning down a local PPP leader, Masood ur Rehman Abbasi’s apology in a contempt of court case, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that he will be indicted on next hearing.
Justice Mazahir Naqvi, a member of the bench, asked the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to ascertain on whose directives the PPP leader made the speech. “Such a speech is not possible without a well thought-out plan,” he remarked.
“I am a poor person and apologise to the court,” Abbasi said. “I am the sole provider of my two wives and seven children.”
https://twitter.com/iamAzeemAhmed/status/1405712063322898433?s=20
At this, the bench said that the PPP leader should have thought all this before making contemptuous remarks against the chief justice.
FIA officials informed the court that they were investigating Masood ur Rehman and assured that they won’t give any concession to whoever is found backing him.
Notably, the SC on Tuesday issued a contempt notice to PPP activist Masood ur Rehman Abbasi over his speech against Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed.
A four-member larger bench, presided by Justice Umar Ata Bandial, heard the contempt proceedings today, which were initiated against Abbasi a day before.
Read More: SC convicts Talal Chaudhary in contempt of court case
Earlier, the 23rd Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) also condemned Abbasi’s behaviour when it was briefed regarding a video clip in which Abbasi was using foul language against the CJP.
Supreme Court finally issued contempt notice PPP activist Masood ur Rehman Abbasi over his abusive speech against CJP Gulzar Ahmed. A four judge bench, led by Justice Umar Ata Bandial adjourned hearing until June 28. Notices have also been issued to FIA, PEMRA & AGP.
— Hasnaat Malik (@HasnaatMalik) June 22, 2021
“PPP’s Masood ur Rehman Abbasi made sarcastic and rude remarks against Chief Justice of Pakistan,” the court remarked during the proceedings. “Masood ur Rehman is the General Secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party in PS-114 constituency. The Sindh government should ensure compliance with the notice of reasons.”
Justice Bandial remarked that Abbasi used highly derogatory words against the chief justice.
The speech was made in a ‘very angry tone’ against the chief justice, remarked apex bench member Justice Ijazul Ahsan.
The counsel for the federal government prayed upon the top court that hate speech falls under the jurisdiction of the FIA, therefore a notice should also be issued to the agency.
The SC ordered the FIA and PEMRA to compile and submit the objectionable material and also ordered the Sindh inspector-general to ensure Abbasi’s presence during the next hearing.
Read More: Twitter supports Fawad Chaudhry after contempt of court case filed against him
The court also issued notices to the attorney general for Pakistan, Sindh government and adjourned the hearing till Monday, June 28.