Talal to be indicted on March 14

The Supreme Court on Thursday decided that State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry will be indicted on March 14 in a contempt of court case. The contempt charges against former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Nehal Hashmi and Federal Minister for Privatization Daniyal Aziz will be framed on March 12 and March 13, respectively. During proceedings, a three-member bench, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal, heard contempt of court notice against the PML-N leader, which Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar had taken on February 1.
Kamran Murtaza, appearing on behalf of Talal, stated that the CD, which contains contemptuous material, was provided to them late night therefore he could not watch it. He said after reviewing the CD, he would file a detailed response. The court fixed the case on March 15 to frame charges. However, Additional Attorney General Waqar Rana said he will not be available on March 15 and, therefore, the court changed the date to March 14.
Talal's counsel on March 3 submitted a reply to the notice, stating: "He [Talal] firmly believes that he has never intentionally or unintentionally committed any action which may be construed as a contempt of court." The reply said the respect and dignity of apex court has been ensured through Article 204 of the Constitution. "The provisions of the same constitution jealously guards and protects the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression through Article 19 of the Constitution."
Talal said it is well settled by now that the Article 204 of the Constitution is to be construed in conjunction with Article 19 and 66 thereof in a manner which should deter the commission of contempt of court. At the same time it should preserve and protect the freedom of speech and expression. Talal submitted that he exercises his right of free speech and expression within the four corners of law and without any hunch of an action which may amount to contempt of this court.
Talal said that he honestly believes that he neither did he utter anything nor did act in a manner which may be construed as causing obstruction of the process of the court in any way. He added he had not disobeyed nor any order of the court. He submitted that as a parliamentarian and member of the legal fraternity, he has conviction that the respect of an individual flows from the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws of the land.
However, this element of guarantee of respect has to be reciprocated by the individuals from their conduct and actions of adherence to law. He said that as a democratic worker and parliamentarian, he has always ventured to uphold the Constitution.