SC seeks replies from respondents

ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court has sought replies from a private TV channel owner and two TV anchors by July 25 on a petition for initiating contempt proceeding against them over the planted interview of real estate tycoon Malik Riaz on June 13.On the last date of hearing, the court has issued notices to Malik Riaz, Mian Aamir Mahmood, chief executive of the TV channel, anchors Mubashir Lucman and Mehr Bukhari and the PEMRA chairman. A two-member bench of Justice Ejaz Afzal and Justice Muhammad Athar Saeed is hearing a petition filed by Liaqat Ali Qureshi, President Lawyers Writers Forum, making Malik Riaz, Chairman PEMRA, Dunya News Television through its Chief Executive Mian Aamir, Mubashir Luqman and Mehr Bukhari, anchorpersons, as respondents.The petitioner has urged the court to prosecute all the five respondents under the contempt of court law with a plea to take appropriate action against them in the interest of justice. The court exempting Mehr Bukhari regarding her personal appearance before the court on next date of hearing, asked her to submit reply by July 25.  Shahid Hamid, counsel for Dunya TV chief, submitted that the editorial policy of his client is to uphold the dignity and independence of judiciary. He contended that court should first hold inquiry in the instant matter. Mubashir Luqman also appeared before the court with his counsel and also sought time for submitting his reply.Dr Basit, counsel for Malik Riaz, also sought exemption for his client to appear before the court. The court however, told him that Malik Riaz is not facing any problem hence he should appear before the court instantly.Meanwhile, the court directed the respondents to submit their replies by July 25 and adjourned the hearing. Hafiz S A Rehman, counsel for PEMRA also appeared before the court and submitted reply on behalf of PEMRA.In the reply it was submitted that as per complaints made with PEMRA by one Syed Feroza Rubab, advocate High Court against eight TV channels, the PEMRA issued notices to all the respondents under Section 26 of PEMRA Ordinance for appearing on July 9, 2012.

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