'Petitioner unreachable': SC adjourns phone tapping case indefinitely
Judges question legal grounds of phone tapping; Justice Mazhar says phone tapping requires a judge's authorization; Justice Mandokhel remarks phone tapping law is ambiguous; Constitutional bench head stresses need for concrete results rather than reports or legislation
Stay tuned with 24 News HD Android App
The Supreme Court's (SC) constitutional bench adjourned the hearing of a case related to phone tapping indefinitely after issuing notices to the Advocate Generals, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel on Wednesday.
The seven-member bench, led by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, heard the case. During the proceedings, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar inquired whether any legislation existed on phone tapping.
In response, the additional attorney general stated that a law has been in place since 2013, detailing procedures for phone tapping, with ISI and IB notified for the purpose.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noted that the law does not permit arbitrary phone tapping and requires a judge's authorization. He further questioned whether any judge had been notified for this purpose, to which the additional attorney general admitted ignorance.
Justice Jamal Mandokhail remarked that the phone tapping law is ambiguous, and its interpretation could impact several pending cases. He highlighted that the issue originated from the Chief Justice’s chamber and questioned the appropriate course for the Chief Justice.
Head of the SC constitutional bench, Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, stressed the need for concrete results rather than reports or legislation.
The government’s counsel informed the court that the petitioner, Major Shabbar, could not be contacted and that his lawyer had passed away last year.
Reporter: Amanat Gishkori