The Supreme Court of Pakistan has accepted the apologies tendered by Senator Faisal Vawda and MNA Mustafa Kamal for their misconduct and offensive remarks directed towards the judiciary. The apex court’s decision came following a contempt case against the lawmakers and a subsequent hearing.
In a letter addressed to the Supreme Court registrar, Justice Athar Minallah explicitly stated that he was not involved in initiating contempt proceedings against Senator Faisal Vawda and MNA Mustafa Kamal. Moreover, he clarified that neither did he file any complaint nor was he consulted in this regard. Justice Minallah also emphasized the challenges he has faced, including malicious campaigns and fake allegations, due to his verdicts.
Senator Faisal Vawda was seen performing a sajda (prostration) to express gratitude after the Supreme Court accepted his apology in the contempt of court case. The court pardoned Vawda and Mustafa Kamal and withdrew the contempt notice issued to them. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa reiterated that both parliamentarians realized the inappropriateness of their remarks and had withdrawn their statements while also tendering unconditional apologies to the court.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court warned the lawmakers against “further transgression” after accepting their apologies. Additionally, show-cause notices were reissued to 34 media channels, with the Chief Justice expressing dissatisfaction with the justifications provided by 26 of them. This development underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against derogatory remarks and malicious allegations, ensuring accountability and respect for the judiciary.
The contempt case against Senator Vawda and MNA Kamal stemmed from their disparaging remarks directed at the judiciary and judges. Initially, a three-judge Supreme Court bench had issued contempt notices to the legislators for their allegations, deeming them as malicious. The acceptance of their apologies by the apex court reflects the significance of accountability and respect within the judicial system, while the issuance of show-cause notices to media channels emphasizes the importance of responsible and ethical reporting.
The acceptance of apologies and the subsequent warnings by the Supreme Court serve as a reminder of the judiciary’s commitment to upholding its dignity and ensuring that transgressions against it are appropriately addressed. This development also reinforces the principles of accountability and respect within the legal framework, highlighting the consequences of disrespectful conduct towards the judiciary.
