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ISLAMABAD - Advancing the arguments in the contempt of court case against him before Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday, former Law Minister Babar Awan questioned that how proceedings of contempt could be continued in the absence of contempt of court law in the country.
A two-member bench of the Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan was hearing the contempt of court case against Babar Awan where he contended that he was being discriminated saying that the court had forgiven serious contemnors who were involved in the manhandling of the Chief Justice when they tendered an unconditional apology.
Appreciating the apex court decision over the alleged business deal of business tycoon Riaz Hussain Malik and Chief Justice’s son Dr Arsalan Iftikhar Awan made a point that it was good to decide that the matter should be referred to the alternative forum. He alleged, “Contempt of court proceedings were initiated against me because I am a senior lawyer of the Supreme Court.”
Citing Dr. Arslan Iftikhar case as a precedent, Awan submitted that his case should be referred to a proper forum, adding Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) as a proper forum to decide the matter, Awan said.
Upon which Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan told Awan that if the court reaches the conclusion that it was a professional misconduct on his part, then his case could be referred to the proper forum for disciplinary action.
“If the result of the proceedings is acquittal then who will be responsible for the damage done to me during the lengthy trial?” Awan asked. However, he prayed the bench saying it was the appropriate time for considering his unconditional apology as the trial was in its final stages and after that the court would announce its judgment.
During the proceedings, Awan also quoted Hadiths and cited verses from Holy Quran before the bench. After concluding his arguments, Awan pleaded the court that his case should not be heard on Friday because many people “will be spared tonight Shab-e-Barat for worship”.
He said he has faith in Allah, adding it did not matter if the court cancels his licence. He further said that he will not care if his Senate seat is also taken back from him.
The court adjourned his case hearing till today.
The Nation