Punjab Assembly’s Defamation Law Challenged in Lahore High Court

The petitioners have requested the court to declare the new defamation law null and void, and to suspend its implementation until a final decision is reached.

Lahore, The defamation law recently passed by the Punjab Assembly has come under judicial scrutiny as it was challenged in the Lahore High Court on Saturday. The petition was filed by journalists Jafar Ahmed Yar and Raja Riaz, represented by advocate Nadeem Sarwar. The Chief Minister and Governor of Punjab, through the Principal Secretary of the Punjab Government, have been named as respondents in the application.

The petition argues that the new defamation law contravenes the constitution and existing legal frameworks. It contends that in the presence of the Defamation Ordinance and the Defamation Act, enacting a new law is unnecessary and legally redundant. Moreover, the petition highlights that journalists were not consulted during the formulation of the law, suggesting that the legislation aims to control media freedom and curtail journalistic activities.

The petitioners have requested the court to declare the new defamation law null and void, and to suspend its implementation until a final decision is reached.

The controversy arose following confirmation from the Governor House that Acting Governor Punjab Malik Ahmed Khan has signed the Defamation Bill. Upon notification, the law will be formally enacted and will apply to every citizen in Punjab.

The newly passed law will encompass print, electronic, and social media. It allows for defamation cases to be filed against the dissemination of false and misleading news. The legislation specifically includes platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram under its purview.

Read More: Punjab Assembly passes defamation bill despite opposition strong protest

The law stipulates that any news intended to harm an individual’s personal life or public reputation will be subject to legal action. It also introduces a compensation mechanism, where up to 30 lakh rupees can be awarded for proven defamation. For allegations against individuals holding constitutional positions, a High Court bench will have the authority to hear such cases. Additionally, women and transgender individuals will have access to a government legal team for assistance in defamation cases.