The Sindh High Court allowed on Monday court reporters to cover the day-to-day court proceedings as it stayed the implementation of certain clauses of the PEMRA notification dated May 21, which had imposed restrictions on media coverage of court proceedings.
The court has issued notices to PEMRA, the Ministry of Information, and other relevant parties, asking them to submit their responses by June 6.
PEMRA “is not authorised” to issue such directives restricting media coverage of the judiciary, advocate Abdul Moiz Jafferi said.
He argued that the authority has attempted to impose a ban on the judiciary under the guise of such a restriction. The decision on what court proceedings can be covered lies with the judiciary, he added.
The Sindh High Court chief justice emphasised that court reporters also needed to demonstrate responsibility in their reporting of court proceedings. He acknowledged that sometimes, certain remarks or observations made in court can lead to misperceptions about the judiciary.
The court adjourned the further hearing of the case until June 6.
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