IHC defers framing of contempt charges against ex-CJ GB Rana Shamim till Dec 20

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday deferred till December 20, the framing of contempt charges against the former chief judge of Gilgit-Baltistan Rana Shamim in a case related to the publication of an affidavit drafted by him in which serious allegations of judicial manipulation by ex-chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar were levelled.

At the outset of today's hearing, the IHC Chief Justice IHC Chief Justice Minallah again ordered Rana Shamim to submit his original affidavit before the court till next Monday.

Referring to the investigative story published in the newspaper, Minallah said, “An attempt was made to erode the public confidence in the judiciary just because of this one news.”

Offering himself and fellow judges for accountability, Minallah said, “I and other judges of this court are ready for accountability." He warned that the court will not allow anyone to end the public’s confidence in the court. 

“It is not a matter of concerning one person,” said the IHC chief justice, adding that it is a question of the high court’s credibility and the people’s confidence in it.

Earlier, The News’ investigative reporter Ansar Abbasi appeared before the court and apprised Justice Minallah that he had clarified in his story that whatever was said was based on Rana Shamim's claim.

“I quoted Rana Shamim in the story,” he clarified.

On this, Justice Minallah said that Rana Shamim was of the view that his affidavit might have been leaked from the notary public. Justice Minallah said the court will not ask about the source of the affidavit. The court will view this case in light of international laws, the judge stated.

News of sub judice cases should not be published, he observed.

The former chief justice of Gilgit-Baltistan, Rana Shamim, also appeared before the court. Attorney-General Khalid Javed requested the court that the original affidavit should be submitted while other suspects in the case submit their testimonies.

Justice Minallah accepted his request and adjourned the hearing till December 20.

Talking to journalists outside the IHC, Rana Shamim said there were some issues due to which he did not know when his affidavit will arrive.

When asked whether he leaked the affidavit himself, Shamim responded by saying that he had said whatever he wanted to say in court.

When journalists probed the former judge about some claims made by his son, Shamim told them not to ask questions from him that were meant for his son.

“I have nothing to do with his statement,” he replied.

When asked, whether he would submit an unconditional apology in court to escape from contempt of court charges, he replied, “No comments”.

IHC warns Rana Shamim of contempt charges 

On December 7, the Islamabad High Court (IHC)  had warned former chief judge of Gilgit-Baltistan Rana Shamim that he had till Monday to submit the notarised original copy of an affidavit in which Shamim levelled serious allegations regarding key actors in the judiciary.

Failing to comply with the court's orders by Monday would invite an indictment on contempt of court charges, the IHC had warned the former judge.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah had  warned that there will be "consequences" for Rana Shamim if it is learnt that he had the affidavit drafted for no other reason than to have it published.

The judge had said he could not give anyone permission to erode the public's confidence in the courts.