ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Affairs Tallal Chaudry appeared before the Supreme Court today for the contempt hearing against him.
A three-member bench, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, conducted the proceedings.
Chaudry's counsel, Kamran Murtaza, sought 10 days from the bench to prepare for the case. However, the counsel was granted a week and the hearing was adjourned.
The apex court had initiated contempt proceedings against Chaudry on account of "derogatory and contemptuous speeches/statements" with regard to the court, according to a notification issued on February 2.
At the last hearing of the case on February 13, Chaudry appeared before the court where he contended that he had requested noted lawyer Asma Jahangir to be his counsel, but owing to her demise, he was without legal representation. The court then adjourned the hearing till Monday, February 19.
Federal Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz was also served a contempt of court notice by the Supreme Court on Feb 2, reportedly over his controversial speeches and statements made during various TV talk shows.
Moreover, on February 7, Aziz was granted 10 days by the Supreme Court to finalise legal representation for the contempt notice issued to him.
He, too, has been summoned by the court today. APP/AFP