ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court accepted plea of former law minister Babar Awan for more time in the contempt of court case on medical grounds on Friday.
A two-member bench of Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan and Justice Muhammad Athar Saeed was hearing the contempt of court case against former law minister.
Prior to hearing of the case, Awan’s chamber assistant submitted an application to adjourn the hearing saying Dr Awan was a cardiac patient and needed medical check-up from AFC Rawalpindi due to which he could not attend the court.
However, the bench summoned Babar Awan to appear before the court at 11 am where he submitted medical certificate and prayed for adjournment in the case on medical grounds.
During the proceedings, Justice Muhammad Athar Saeed observed that Awan was reaching to conclude his arguments in the case saying that everybody should be aware of their responsibilities. Upon which Awan said, “I do realise my responsibility. Life never returns so I am also conscious to look after my health”.
Awan Thursday, had requested the bench to consider his unconditional apology which he had already tendered, saying it remained custom of the court to pardon an accuse of contempt after he offered apology.
Besides, he also contended that the matter could be referred to the Pakistan Bar Council for decision like a three member bench of the Chief Justice had sent case relating to alleged business deal of Malik Riaz Hussain and Dr Arslan Iftikhar to a proper forum.
Granting him more time to complete the arguments in the instant matter the bench asked Awan to appear before the court on July 11 if he had recovered by then saying otherwise the bench would give him more time if he is admitted in the hospital for medical treatment. The court had indicted Awan under the contempt charges, observing that he had committed contempt by ridiculing the superior judiciary during a press conference soon after the formation of Memogate Commission on December 1 last year.
Latter the bench adjourned hearing of the case till July 11.