PECA amendment case
ISLAMABAD
Islamabad High Court (IHC) has adjourned till March 6 hearing of petitions filed by journalists organizations against controversial PECA amendment law. Justice Inam Amin Minhas of IHC took up for hearing the petitions filed by PFUJ and Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA) by clubbing them. While giving arguments , Mian Sami ud Din counsel for IHCJA read out clauses which were included in controversial PECA Act after amendment. The counsel took the plea the powers which should have been held by the judiciary have been given to executive.
There should be judicial tribunal. It should be appointed in consultation with chief justice.
According to counsel section 2-c pertains to ban on fake and false social media posts. But it is not clear who will determine fake information.
Justice Inam Amin Minhas remarked this should be told and made understand that how the fake news have to be determined and how the proceedings will be initiated on fake news.
The counsel further said new procedure for complaint has been introduced in the law under which third party too can file complaint in addition to aggrieved party.
Due to it the application can be filed through any proxy and misuse of law is feared.
According to counsel it is essential to see fake information is causing what loss because fake information can be merely one mistake which causes no harm to any one.
Justice Inam Minhas remarked this is legislation which cannot be suspended through stay order. The case will be decided after it is heard.
The court adjourned hearing of the case till March 6.
