| Case ID |
eb063f07-56e9-4e81-afc4-026d1da0f317 |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Criminal Appeal No. 33 of 1962 |
| Decision Date |
May 30, 1962 |
| Hearing Date |
|
| Decision |
The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the High Court finding the appellants guilty of contempt of court and imposed a penalty of Rs. 1,000 or a month's simple imprisonment in default. The Court emphasized that the offending article published in a daily newspaper was likely to prejudice the public against the respondent during the pending litigation. The Court highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings and ensuring that parties involved are treated fairly, without undue influence from media publications. The Court also addressed the nature of contempt proceedings, noting that they are sui generis and do not strictly adhere to the procedures of criminal trials. The Court dismissed the appeal, affirming the High Court's ruling and the penalties imposed on the appellants. |
| Summary |
This case revolves around the issue of contempt of court due to a newspaper article published in 'The Kohistan', which was found to have prejudiced the public against a private limited company involved in ongoing litigation. The Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled that the article was not merely a fair comment but rather a deliberate attempt to disrupt the course of justice. The ruling underscores the delicate balance between freedom of the press and the necessity to protect the integrity of judicial processes. It highlights the legal implications of media comments on pending cases, asserting that even indirect references to litigations can amount to contempt if they influence public perception negatively. This case is significant in the context of media law, freedom of expression, and the protection of judicial processes. Keywords such as 'contempt of court', 'media influence', 'judicial integrity', and 'freedom of expression' are crucial in understanding the legal landscape surrounding this case. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Not available
|
| Judges |
S. A. Rahman,
Fazle-Akbar,
B. Z. Kaikaus,
Hamoodur Rahman
|
| Lawyers |
Ala Ullah Sajjad,
Saeed Akhtar,
Mushtaq Hussain,
Ijaz Ali,
Ahmad Saeed Kirmani,
Amjad Hussain
|
| Petitioners |
Saadat Khialy,
Muhammad Amin Sharaqpuri
|
| Respondents |
The State,
Shama Overseas (Private) Ltd.
|
| Citations |
1962 SLD 489,
1962 PLD 457
|
| Other Citations |
In re Subrahmanyan, Editor 'Tribune' and others A I R 1943 Lah. 329,
Zafar Niazi v. Riazuddin P L D 1958 Lah. 738
|
| Laws Involved |
Contempt of Courts Act, 1926
|
| Sections |
2,
3
|