| Case ID |
007c3d2e-6812-44b4-aa85-8174888bc21b |
| Body |
View case body. Login to View |
| Case Number |
|
| Decision Date |
Apr 11, 1991 |
| Hearing Date |
|
| Decision |
The Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal, affirming the finding of contempt of court against Times Newspapers Ltd. and its editor for publishing material from the book 'Spycatcher' which was under an injunction, intended to prevent such publication. The court ruled that their actions impeded the administration of justice, nullifying the purpose of the trial regarding confidentiality. The appeal was dismissed, and the court emphasized the importance of the confidentiality of the information as it related to the ongoing legal actions. The case highlighted the need for strict adherence to court injunctions and the repercussions of violating them. |
| Summary |
This case revolves around the contempt proceedings against Times Newspapers Ltd. and its editor for publishing extracts from 'Spycatcher', a book by a former British Security Service member, which was under an injunction preventing such publication. The Supreme Court found that the publication constituted contempt of court as it interfered with the administration of justice. The judgment affirmed the principles of confidentiality and the necessity of respecting court orders. The case is significant in understanding the balance between freedom of the press and the need to uphold legal injunctions, especially in matters concerning national security and confidentiality. Key phrases include 'contempt of court', 'administration of justice', 'confidentiality', and 'court injunctions'. This decision serves as a precedent for future cases involving similar issues of publication and confidentiality. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
Lord Keith of Kinkel,
Lord Brandon of Oakbrook,
Lord Ackner,
Lord Oliver of Aylmerton
|
| Lawyers |
John Laws,
Christopher Katkowski,
Anthony Lester Q.C.,
David Pannick
|
| Petitioners |
Attorney General
|
| Respondents |
Times Newspapers Ltd.,
Andrew Ferguson Neil
|
| Citations |
1994 SLD 507 = 1994 SCMR 161
|
| Other Citations |
American Cyanamid Co. v. Ethicon Ltd. (1975) A.C. 396,
Attorney-General v. Leveller Magazine Ltd. (1979) A.C. 440,
Seaward v. Paterson (1897) 1 Ch. 545,
Z Ltd. v. A-Z and AA-LL (1982) Q.B. 558
|
| Laws Involved |
Not available
|
| Sections |
Not available
|