The Lahore High Court made the implementation of three sections 3, 5 and 8 of the defamation law subject to a court decision.
Justice Amjad Rafique heard the petition filed against defamation law in Punjab.
The court also issued notices to the Attorney General and Advocate General for assistance, while others including the Punjab government were issued notices and asked to respond.
Justice Amjad Rafiq inquired how this law is against freedom of expression and fundamental rights. The lawyer for the petitioner said that according to this law you can proceed without evidence. Justice Amjad Rafique remarked that if the Chief Minister makes a statement, you should bring it to the court, it is wrong.
The petitioner’s lawyer said that the Chief Minister should not lie, the Information Minister of Punjab lies from morning to evening. In this law, the accused can be fined Rs 30 lakh even before the trial. Justice Amjad Rafique remarked that according to the law this could be done to deliver speedy justice.
Counsel for the Punjab Government opposed the petitions.
Justice Amjad Rafiq remarked that if the Chief Justice suggests a name and sends it, the government may say that this name is not liked by our so-and-so minister.
It should be noted that Riaz and others filed the application through the mediation of Nadeem Sarwar Advocate.
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