The law, which awaits presidential assent, proposes a six-month jail term and a fine of Rs. 1 million for those found in contempt of parliament
ISLAMABAD: The Senate passed a bill proposing a six-month punishment for contempt of parliament or its committees. PPP lawmakers and a Jamaat-i-Islami senator engaged in a heated debate during the session. The tensions escalated almost resulting in a physical altercation. The discussion on the Karachi mayoral elections sparked the confrontation.
In May, the National Assembly passed the ‘Contempt of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) Bill’ through a supplementary agenda without referring it to the standing committee. The lawmakers approved it through a voice vote, and now sentd it to the president for final approval.
Five senators, four from Balochistan and one from Punjab, initiated the bill.
State Minister for Law Shahadat Awan urged the chair to hold a direct vote on the bill when presented in the house. He highlighted that the National Assembly had already passed it unanimously.
This bill comes amidst an ongoing battle over supremacy between parliament and the judiciary. Lawmakers accuse the judiciary of interfering in the executive’s domain and endorsing military rules in the past.
Proposed Parliamentary Contempt Committee: Powers & Penalties
The proposed law suggests establishing a parliamentary contempt committee with five members from the National Assembly and Senate. The committee will have the power to impose punishments. The punishments include imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine of up to one million rupees, or both.The contempt committee will handle all proceedings in a quasi-judicial manner. The decisions will be executed by the district magistrate within the accused’s jurisdiction. Individuals have the option to file appeals before the speaker or chairman within a 30-day timeframe.The bill outlines various actions that constitute contempt, including breaching privilege, disobeying orders, refusing to provide evidence, and attempting to influence witnesses.
Karachi Mayoral Election Controversy
The Karachi mayoral election controversy echoed in the Senate with the JI accusing the PPP of stealing the election and the PPP defending their victory. Senators exchanged heated words, and an attempt at assault was prevented by colleagues. In another motion, Senator Taj Haider criticized the NHA for not allowing bus service on Lyari Expressway, despite the Sindh government’s plan to launch a Peoples Bus Service with electric buses charged by solar energy.
