SC rejects Nehal Hashmi’s reply in contempt case
The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday rejected disqualified Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nehal Hashmi’s reply in a contempt of court case.
The reply stated that parts of the speech that he had given were misconstrued by the media and posted on different platforms. “It is regret to say that this conviction is against all laws, morals and ethics of this country,” the reply read.
“To treat an ‘unconditional apology’ under the inducement of Honorable Judges of the Honorable Court and there after treated as a ‘plead guilty’ and later to use the same as ground for conviction, it is tantamount to a contempt of his [Justice Khosa] own court,” it further added.
The reply also combated the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar’s remarks during the last hearing. When asked why Hashmi’s law license shouldn’t be cancelled, the respondent stated that it was the source of ‘rozi’ for is children. The CJP then went on to say, “Is ka bandobasht bhi woh hi karey ga jis ke liye naaray lagatey ho.” The petition stated that “the same judge has made his mind against Hashmi.”
The top court, while rejecting his reply, decided to frame charges of second contempt case on March 26. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar observed that “this court” will issue “exemplary judgments.”
“You are maligning the apex court of the country,” said Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan. The bench observed that Hashmi’s reply was not satisfactory.
On March 7, the top court issued another contempt notice to Hashmi for hurling verbal abuses and being uncivil towards the judiciary. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, also indicated that Hashmi’s law practice licence could be cancelled
Hashmi was summoned after a video of him surfaced in which he was heard using abusive language against the judges after his release from jail. Hashmi served a month-long jail sentence over contempt of court.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the video was played in the courtroom. Hashmi, a former senator, first regretted and then apologised to the court.
“I was stressed out and felt disoriented. I never uttered those words for the judges. I am ashamed [of my behaviour],” he told the bench.
Unconvinced, the chief justice had rejected Hashmi’s apology. He said it was “evident just how” ashamed the politician was.
“It has become everybody’s habit to make such comments and then apologise,” remarked Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan. “First you had said you were fasting, and now you are saying you were mentally upset.”
