Legal Case Summary

Case Details
Case ID 735f299f-3927-44d8-9d85-3eda9e222703
Body View case body.
Case Number N/A
Decision Date Mar 25, 1976
Hearing Date Mar 24, 1976
Decision The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellants for contempt of court, finding that their publication tended to undermine public confidence in the administration of justice by prejudging matters that were pending before the Lahore High Court. The Court emphasized that the impugned article scandalized the judiciary and interfered with the course of justice, thereby warranting the imposition of a sentence. The fine was increased to Rs. 2,000, while the term of simple imprisonment was reduced to the period already undergone by the appellants.
Summary This case revolves around the issue of contempt of court, wherein the Supreme Court of Pakistan dealt with a publication by the appellants that was deemed to have scandalized the judiciary. The article in question made allegations against certain lawyers related to judges, insinuating favoritism and undermining the integrity of the judicial system. The Court found that such remarks not only prejudged the ongoing proceedings but also created a negative public perception of the judiciary, thereby interfering with the administration of justice. The decision reinforced the importance of maintaining the dignity and authority of the courts, as well as the need for publications to refrain from making unfounded allegations that could damage public confidence in the legal system.
Court Supreme Court of Pakistan
Entities Involved Not available
Judges Salahuddin Ahmed, Anwarul Haq, Muhammad Gul, Muhammad Afzal Cheema
Lawyers Sh. Shaukat Ali, Raga Maqbool Ahmad Qadri, Sh. Riaz Ahmad, Sh. Ijaz Ali
Petitioners Manzoor Ahmad Malik, Said Ahmad Malik
Respondents The Judges of the Lahore High Court
Citations 1976 SLD 175, 1976 PLD 608
Other Citations Advocate-General v. Shabir Ahmad P L D 1963 S C 610, Attorney-General v. Abdul Hamid and others P L D 1963 S C 170, Saadat Khialy v. The State P L D 1962 S C 457, Sir Edward Snelson v. Judges of the High Court of West Pakistan P L D 1961 S C 237
Laws Involved Constitution of Pakistan (1973)
Sections 204, 203(2)(c), 204(2)(b)