Gilani contempt hearing adjourned till April 12

ISLAMABAD: A seven-member larger bench of the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of the contempt court case against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani till April 12.

Counsel for PM Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, who could not attend the proceedings on Monday due to his ailment, appeared before the Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk on Tuesday.

Nasir-ul-Mulk inquired about the health of Aitzaz Ahsan and asked how he was feeling. Ahsan replied that he took a heavy dose on the suggestion of the court due to which his ailment further intensified.

It is worth mentioning here that in the previous hearing on Monday, the PM’s assistant counsel in the case, Barrister Gohar, informed the apex court that Aitzaz Ahsan could not appear before that court as he was not feeling well.

Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan was asked by the court, “Will you be able to give evidences today?” Ahsan replied in negative. The court then asked Ahsan if he could complete his evidences in five days. Ahsan said in reply that he could not promise the court.

Speaking to the media outside the SC premises, Ahsan said that the judges who issued a show cause notice to Gilani were not eligible to hear the case, adding that if a notice is taken by the Chief Justice, then the trial is conducted by another bench.

He said that contempt of court is the last option and the SC has given six options pertaining to the case. “The court was asked to imply the sixth option according to which the matter will be decided in the Parliament,” he said, adding, “The PM to be sent to the Adiala jail, if convicted guilty.” Article-10 of the Constitution, Aitzaz noted, is applicable only on the one who takes notice of contempt of court and no one else, adding if it applies so, then every session and district judge will be ineligible.

“I will not give arguments today, as I could not do preparation for the contempt case against PM owing to his ailment, he informed. Hence, the court adjourned the hearing of the contempt of court case till April 12, 2012.