Islamabad: Supreme Court (SC) allowed Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to continue its proceedings against former premier Imran Khan and his party leaders Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry, in cases related to contempt of electoral body.

Orders were passed by three-member SC bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Ayesha A Malik. ECP had during August and September last year issued contempt notices, in exercise of its powers of contempt, against PTI Chief Imran Khan and party leaders Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Mian Shabbir Ismail and Danial Khalid Khokhar for allegedly using “Intemperate” language against Chief Election Commissioner and ECP and asked them to appear in person or through their counsels before Commission to explain their position.

However, instead of appearing before ECP, PTI leaders challenged in various high courts ECP notices and contempt proceedings on grounds that Section 10 of Elections Act 2017, which is statutory provision regarding Commission’s power to punish for contempt, was against Constitution.

According to Election Act 2017, Section 10 titled “Power to punish for contempt” states that “Election Commission may exercise same power as high court to punish any person for contempt of court and Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003 (V of 2003), or any other law pertaining to contempt of court shall have effect accordingly”. PTI leaders had also sought from high courts declaratory relief from charges.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 04 2023

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