TV networks receive a contempt warning from the SC for showing “contemptuous” pressers.

In response to legislators Faisal Vawda and Mustafa Kamal’s outbursts against the judiciary, a three-member bench led by Chief Justice Isa and composed of Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi issued a written decision initiating contempt proceedings.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa declared that 26 of the TV networks that received show-cause notices from the Supreme Court were “not justifiable,” according to the written order.

Only a notice—not a show cause notice—was given to the people in charge of the aforementioned television networks. However, they have chosen not to take advantage of the chance given to them to pause, yield, and, if they so choose, to offer an apology,” the statement read.

As per the order, it was shown at the hearing that they persisted in airing the press conferences even after the disdainful remarks were made. Later, they repeated the broadcast.

False information can spread quickly in this day and age, therefore extra caution is necessary, the court stated in its dissatisfaction and concern over the situation.

“After we asked if any of the channels had issued an apology or retraction, we discovered that none had. As commercial entities, television channels rely on advertising and broadcasting for their revenue, and we acknowledge this,” the directive said.

“We are constrained to issue show cause notices to all 34 channels to show cause as to why they should not be proceeded against for committing contempt of court,” the court declared because of this. The two-week deadline for responding to the show cause notices is approaching.

In response to the show cause notices, the replies should specify: (1) whether advertisements preceded the press conferences; (2) whether advertisements appeared during the press conferences; (3) whether advertisements appeared after the press conferences; (4) whether the press conferences were rebroadcast; (5) whether excerpts from them were broadcast; and (6) the sums of money received as payment for the press conferences.

As it has stated clearly, the Supreme Court will not put up with any disobedience to its orders and will punish those who do so. The TV networks have additionally been forewarned by the court that they will be responsible for disseminating any inaccurate content.

For multiple “malicious” accusations against the judiciary and justices, independent Senator Vawda and MQM-P MNA Kamal received contempt notices from a three-judge Supreme Court panel on May 17.

34 television networks were served show cause notices by the SC earlier this month, requesting an explanation as to why they shouldn’t be held in contempt for broadcasting the MPs’ comments.

While accepting the apologies Faisal Vawda and Mustafa Kamal offered for their outbursts against the justice during the previous session, the Supreme Court cautioned them against “further transgression.”