Chief Justice of Sindh High Court Condemns PTA's Reinstatement of X Ban
Chief Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui of the Sindh High Court has vehemently opposed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) decision to reinstate the ban on X, formerly known as Twitter. During a recent hearing of a revision appeal filed by PTA lawyers, the Chief Justice criticized the regulator’s actions and warned of potential contempt of court charges.
Key Developments:
– Contempt of Court Warning: Justice Siddiqui expressed strong disapproval of the PTA’s decision to re-impose the ban on X, questioning the legality and reasoning behind the move. He warned that the PTA could be held in contempt of court for this action.
– Hearing Details: The PTA had sought a revision of a previous court order linked to a recent notification from the Ministry of Interior. The court was critical of the PTA’s inconsistent stance and questioned whether it constituted professional misconduct or misrepresentation.
– Questions to PTA: The Chief Justice directly inquired who had instructed the PTA to change its position. When the PTA team failed to provide a clear answer, the court signaled that contempt charges might be pursued. The Deputy Attorney General’s explanation that the revision was due to “case-related pressure” was rejected by the Chief Justice, who deemed the matter beyond mere human error.
– PTA Lawyers’ Position: Other PTA lawyers distanced themselves from the revised statement, noting that the PTA could have chosen to remain silent rather than offer a conflicting stance. The court clarified that it would not withdraw or modify the existing decision.
The case will resume on September 24, as the court continues to deliberate on the matter.
