livelawpk.com - Ban on interview of under custody accused

Exposing of Accused under Custody before Media amounts to hampering the Fair Trial as guaranteed by the Article 10-A of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 --- Government of Punjab Issued Notification

10 months, 1 week
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Islamabad 15-02-2024: The Government of Punjab issued Notification dated 12-02-2024 in compliance of order of Honourable Lahore High Court, Lahore passed in [Writ Petition No. 80758-2023] imposing ban the recording of interview/confessional statement of an accused under custody or exposing before Media Platforms because it not only amounts to hampering the fair trial as guaranteed under Article 10-A of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, but also tends to media victimization/harassment of an accused and victim; therefore, same should not be allowed except in accordance with law. The operative part of the judgment is reproduced as under:-

"All the public functionaries not to facilitate any illegality which violates the right to privacy, dignity and respect of a citizen. Any government official who enables or aids such violation of fundamental right shall also be held liable for the same."

It is further observed that in violation of the directions passed by the Hon'ble Court, and report submitted by the Capital City Police Officer, Lahore in the Court, the programs namely "Taftishi" and "Jurm Kahani" were broadcasted on Lahore Rang TV Channel as well as on Face book pages.

The directions were issued by the Government of Punjab to the Inspector General of Police to take stern disciplinary action against the delinquents and also direct all the concerned offices, under your command, for implementation of the directions issued by the Hon'ble Lahore High Court, Lahore in its true manners and spirit.