1986 PLP r (PCRLJ)

"In my opinion the latter two allegations are also the reflection of the first. The bitterness created on account of rejection of the request for adjournment seems to be casting its shadows over the events that have followed. Moreover no dates and particular relating to the above allegations are furnished. Transfer of criminal cases from one Court to another, specially the Court of Sessions should be avoided as for as possible and should not be done as a matter of routine. Because it is not a matter of transfer of one case. News of such transfer gains easy currency and causes embarrassment to the judicial Officer concerned and also gives a jolt to the system under which the Courts are functioning. Mere misunderstanding on the part of an accused person followed by an order of transfer of the case from the Court is likely to cause more mischief than providing any real benefit to any one." Once again accused moved another transfer application (Transfer Application No.16/84). The allegations made against the learned Sessions Judge Sukkur are as under:‑ "That the trial Judge on 21‑4‑1984 when the matter was fixed for trial the learned Judge lost his temper and asked accused Javed as to why wild allegations have been made in transfer application No.13, and used abusive language and extended threats to account for now as the accused are at his mercy. That the accused had lost faith and have reasonable doubt that learned trial Judge will not do justice. That no confidence is left in trial Judge that the applicants will get fair trial. That there are concrete apprehensions supported by above facts and the reasons mentioned in previous transfer application to create reasonable apprehension that justice will be denied to the applicants to exist in the present case." This application was also dismissed by a short order on 13‑5‑1985 and reasons for dismissal were given by me in a separate order. The detail order be annexed this file. The most of the allegations in both the transfer applications are of personal nature to the extent that member of family of learned Judge has been dragged and in another transfer application again vexatious allegations were made. The two affidavits filed by accused/ applicant Javed and his counsel. Mr. Yousuf Ahmed Jaffery have not been believed. Therefore, transfer application has been dismissed. On the other hand in so many counter affidavits filed in rebuttal it is stated that learned Sessions Judge had not threatened the accused Javed. I requested some senior members of the Bar to assist me on that point that in case false allegations are made against the Presiding Judge, what actions be taken. On this Mr. Abdul Fateh Malik, Mr. Ali Aslam Jafferi and Mr. Sharafuddin Ada addressed me and a case reported in P L D 1969 Lah. 495 was cited. In both the transfer applications Mr. Yousuf Ahmed Jafferi Advocate has appeared and in transfer application No.16/84 he has filed his own affidavit, by making wild allegations and maligning the Judge. It is expected from the Judicial Officers to work independently without favour or fear. Therefore, it is necessary to give them protection from unnecessary harassment and those who indulge in moving false allegations should not be allowed to go unpunished. It is, therefore, that specific provision has been made in subsection (4) of section 526 Cr.P.C. that every application be supported by affidavit and provision has also been made in subsection (5) of section 526, Cr.P.C. for taking bond or sureties from the persons who file transfer application. These provisions are made to check the false and vaxatious allegations and take action if allegations are found false. In both the transfer applications are found false. In both the transfer applications the allegations have been found to be false. I, therefore, order that notices under Section 3 of Contempt of Court Act be issued to accused Javed, Karam Ali and Mr. Yousuf Ahmed Jafferi Advocate to show cause why action should not be taken against them for maliciously maligning the Court. They are directed to submit reply, if any, on or before 16‑6‑1985. They are directed to show cause why they should not be punished for filing false affidavits." 3‑A. In view of the above order show‑cause notices were issued to contemner Javed, Karam Ali and Yousuf Ahmed Jafferi Advocate. They submitted unconditional apology.

4. Now I proceed to deal with case of each respondent separately. Accused Javed in his reply stated as under:‑ "I submit unconditional apology and pray for mercy. I am poor Government servant and have all the respects for Courts." The first transfer application of respondent Javed was dismissed by this. Court about a month ago and it is regretted that false personal allegations were made against the learned Sessions Judge but this Court avoided to take action against the respondent which encouraged him and he repeated transfer application by making against false allegations. The accused cannot be given a licence to humiliate the Judges in this way. The Courts under these circumstances cannot foster justice independently. These false allegations clearly come under the purview of Contempt of Court Act 1976. In case accused of such offences are left unpunished the Judges will not be able to act independently. The respondent Javed has not contested the proceedings, therefore, no charge was framed. Now it is to be seen what adequate sentence is warranted in this case. In this case at an early stage Javed contemner tendered unconditional apology. I, therefore, take lenient view. He is convicted under section 4 of Contempt of Court Act, 1976 and sentenced to suffer S.I. for 3 months. He is present pad remanded to custody to serve out the sentence.

5. Now I come to a case of respondent Yousuf Ahmed Jafferi, Advocate. He in his reply submitted as under:‑ "With reference to the notice dated 30‑5‑1985 I avail. this first opportunity to throw myself unconditionally before this Honourable Court and submit apology. I may very kindly be permitted to add that I have had perfound respects for the Judges and the Courts and had never thought to commit any contempt. I did submit my affidavit after 5 months that too under orders of this Hon'ble Court and had no idea to dis‑respect any officer of the Court anyhow I will be careful in future. It is, therefore, prayed that notices may very kindly be vacated. Advocates are Officers of the Court. They have to assist the Court in coming to right conclusions according to Law. It is not the duty of Advocate to become party with his clients. Respondent is Senior Advocate. He realising the gravity of this situation tendered unconditional apology and in his reply stated that he will be careful in future. The object underlying proceedings under Contempt of Court Act is to foster the confidence of Public in Judiciary and allow the judges to deal with cases independently and decide without fear and favour and any harassment. The punishment in such matters is an ancillary underlying such proceedings if Court comes to conclusion that apology is tendered by exhibition of genuine regret. The respondent is practising' Lawyer is in profession since last so many years and there is nothing before me to indicate that he had on any previous occasion acted in similar manner. He had been appearing in Court. I found that he has realised. I, therefore, accept his unconditional apology and hope that in future he would not behave in this manner.

6. Respondent Karam Ali was in Jail. He has absconded from Police custody and such case has been registered. He has not been arrested. However he submitted unconditional apology when he appeared before this Court. On 21‑4‑1984 he was not present in the Court of learned Sessions Judge, Sukkur. He did not file any affidavit nor made any allegations against the Judge, therefore, the notice issued to him is vacated. S. G. D. Order accordingly.