Punjab Government Enforces Defamation Law via Gazette Notification

Despite opposition and protests from journalistic organizations, the Defamation Bill 2024 was passed in the Provincial Assembly.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has officially enacted the defamation law by issuing a gazette notification.

Under this law, individuals can send notices of damages up to Rs 30 lakh before the trial process begins. Acting Governor Punjab Malik Ahmad Khan signed the bill into law recently, and with the gazette notification, the defamation law will be immediately enforced in Punjab.

Despite opposition and protests from journalistic organizations, the Defamation Bill 2024 was passed in the Provincial Assembly. The law extends beyond traditional media outlets to include social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram, subjecting violators to fines.

Tribunals will be established to hear cases, with a mandate to reach decisions within 180 days. High court benches will handle cases involving individuals appointed to constitutional positions, ensuring swift and fair adjudication.

Lahore High Court Overrules Objection, Accepts Petition Against Defamation Bill

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has overruled objections to a petition filed against the defamation bill, declaring it admissible for further proceedings.

The scrutiny of the petition against the defamation bill in Punjab has been completed, with the petitioner’s lawyer submitting a copy of the notification related to the law in the registrar’s office. Sources within the Registrar’s Office confirmed that the objection was overruled, and the petition will be fixed for hearing on Tuesday.

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Earlier, objections were raised by the Lahore High Court’s Registrar’s Office against the petition. The objection stated that the notification of the defamation bill was not filed by the applicant, which initially led to doubts about the admissibility of the petition.