99.99 percent reporting is correct: CJ IHC

ISLAMABAD
Chief Justice (CJ) Islamabad High Court (IHC) Aamir Farooq has remarked reporters reporting court’s proceedings are absolutely correct and those who announce decision while sitting in evening programs is problem.
The reporters reporting court’s proceedings are reporting correctly. Those who announce decision by sitting in programs in the evening is problem. First criminal trial was telecast in US on TV in 1975. I am protector of rights of people. I cannot deprive entire world of this right, CJ IHC remarked during the hearing of the petition seeking nullification of PEMRA notification regarding ban on court reporting here Tuesday.
Chief Justice of Pakistan inquired was any thing reported wrongly. Upon it PEMRA issued notification. I don’t think that such thing was done by high court or registrar sent any report.
The court remarked that if I have not said any thing and it is reported then PEMRA can penalize this media house on complaint.
CJ IHC remarked let the people know what is happening. How many actions were taken by PEMRA on wrong reporting during the last one year.
He remarked I say 99.99 percent reporting is correct. Point one percent can be human error. I believe this may have been done in SC too. If some one does any thing wrong then PEMRA should take action against it. When court issues signed decision then it becomes public property. Decision of judge should be criticized not judge. We should encourage debates on court’s decisions. Court’s decisions should be highlighted that law was like this. But in decision there is this mistake. PEMRA has imposed complete ban on court’s reporting.
CJ IHC remarked there was time when 20 to 25 people sitting in the court could hear the court’s proceedings. Now this is age of media.
Man sitting in US can hear observation given by me here. We are now moving to the direction that all should see us and world should come to know. Now it is age of transparency. Either it is mistake of bench or of bar, it should be reported.
CJ IHC remarked what such disinformation had come to PEMRA that on the basis of which this happened.
Counsel for PEMRA said PEMRA has given direction that only written orders can be run.
The CJ IHC remarked the remarks given in court are part of court’s proceedings. It is mandate of court to make court’s proceedings in camera or camera. Wrong message is going PEMR is imposing ban on reporting court’s observations. Court’s proceedings is not order of court always. Reply is also filed. If people present in the court have right to see and hear the court’s proceedings then why it is not of those who are not present in the court.
The Court adjourned the hearing of the case till today (Wednesday).