Letter would end contempt proceedings: SC
09 February, 2012
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court is hearing an intra-court appeal filed by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, who had been summoned by the apex court on February 13 for framing of charges against him in a contempt of court case.
During today's proceedings, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry remarked that the chief executive has embarrassed himself. An attempt has been made to influence the court by raising certain points in the appeal.
If the PM writes the letter to Swiss authorities we will end contempt proceedings, the Chief Justice said. 'The money in the Swiss banks belonged to the people of Pakistan.'
We never bowed before anyone, including those who considered themselves powerful, CJ Iftikhar said to Aitzaz.
The bench told Aitzaz Ahsan to read Article 63 (g)(i) of the Constitution.
Barrister Aitzaz is presenting his arguments before the bench. 'I am appearing before the chief justice after four years,' Aitzaz said.
Justice Saqib Nisar said that you are trying to say that we accept favours here. If I were summoned on contempt charges, would I not ask you if I had wasted two years, Aitzaz asked.
My client should get the benefit of the doubt, Aitzaz tells the bench.
The counsel, upon a remark by a judge replied that the court may remove the paragraph raising various questions.
The apex court then removed paragraphs 42, 45, and 51 from the appeal.
Aitzaz contended that the court used harsh language in its order that gave six options. He also read out some parts of President Zardari's interview to our sources which were included in the SC's order, upon which the CJ said these are the facts and no one has contracted it yet.
The case has been filed against the prime minister for not implementing the court's verdict in the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) case.
An eight-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, is hearing the appeal. Other members of the larger bench include Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan, Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, Justice Tariq Parvez, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and Justice Amir Hani Muslim.
Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, counsel for Prime Minister Gilani in contempt of court matter relating to NRO implementation case, on Wednesday, moved an Intra Court Appeal before the SC, with prayer for setting aside the impugned order of February 2 by a seven-member bench against his client.
In the ICA moved under Section 19 (1) (iii) of the Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003 in criminal original No. 06/2012, the counsel pleaded the Court to recall order of its seven-member bench and suspend proceedings for framing of charges on February 13 for the larger interest of justice.
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