ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday adjourned hearing till March 6, on petitions challenging amendments in Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA).
Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas heard the petitions of journalist organizations including Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA) and others.
During hearing, IHCJA’s lawyer Mian Samiuddin read out the provisions added after the amendments in the PECA Act and said that the powers that should have been with the judiciary were given to the executive. There should be a judicial tribunal appointed in consultation with the Chief Justice. Section 2C deals with the ban on fake and false social media posts.
Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas inquired, who will decide whether the information is false? Tell and explain how to determine fake news? How will the proceedings on fake news begin?
On which, lawyer Mian Samiuddin said that a new way of filing a complaint has been explained that in addition to the affected party, a third party can also file a complaint. This will allow any proxy to file a complaint and this law will be misused. It is important to see what damage is being done by fake information.
He said that fake information can also be a mistake that does not harm anyone.
During the hearing, Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Asif Bashir Chaudhry came to the rostrum and said that PFUJ had brought this case to the court on February 6 last year. The case is pending and no stay was granted.
During this time, more than two dozen of our journalists were sentenced to life imprisonment. A case was also registered against the person who reported the use of substandard materials in the construction of the road due to the early demolition.
Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas said that this is legislation, it cannot be suspended by a restraining order. We will decide after hearing the case.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case until March 6.