Awan’s criticism of court order; hearing will be on 4th January.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court would take up on January 4 the matter pertaining to the press conference of PPP leaders who criticised the apex court’s December 1 order in the memo case, by forming a judicial commission for probing the memo controversy.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry ordered to fix the matter in accordance with law before the Bench No VII of the apex court. “After perusal of the transcription of the December 1, 2011 press conference addressed by Dr Babar Awan, in presence of three others on the same date as well as reply/reaction of the Prime Minister of December 23, 2011 and November 26, 2011, filed through Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq, it is considered appropriate to take up this matter on judicial side. Thus, office is directed to place the matter before Bench No VII on January 04, 2012, for proceedings in accordance with law,” the CJ said in his order.

Some PPP leaders, including Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan and former Law Minister Babar Awan on December 1, 2011, soon after the court order, announcing formation of a judicial commission for probing the memo issue, had criticized the order of the apex court and ridiculed the judiciary.

The CJ, while taking the notice of the press conference, had asked the prime minister to submit his clear stance on the assertions of the press conference holders. The PM, in compliance with the court’s order, had submitted before the court that the aim of the press conference was not to ridicule the judiciary. He had submitted that the incumbent government respects the judiciary and they believe the supremacy of the law and constitution.

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