LHC orders speedy trial in Ali Zafar-Meesha Shafi defamation case
Entertainment
Lahore High Court dismisses Meesha Shafi’s plea, upholds statement restraint, and orders trial court to decide Ali Zafar’s defamation case within 30 days.
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) - The Lahore High Court has issued an important ruling in singer Ali Zafar’s defamation case against actress and singer Meesha Shafi, directing the trial court to decide the matter within 30 days.
Justice Ahmed Nadeem Arshad dismissed Meesha Shafi’s petition challenging the trial court’s order that restrained her from making statements related to the defamation case until its final decision. The high court also issued a detailed judgment upholding the trial court’s directive.
In his verdict, Justice Ahmed Nadeem Arshad ruled that the trial court’s decision to bar statements until the conclusion of the defamation proceedings was lawful and justified. The court observed that the judiciary exercises great caution in matters concerning freedom of expression.
During the hearing, Meesha Shafi’s counsel argued that an injunction could not be issued in defamation cases. However, the court held that it has the authority to restrict statements until a final verdict is announced.
The trial court had restrained Meesha Shafi from making statements on January 24, 2019, in connection with the defamation suit filed by Ali Zafar. Challenging that order, Meesha Shafi had approached the Lahore High Court, which has now dismissed her plea.
The Lahore High Court has also directed the trial court to conclude and decide the defamation suit within 30 days.
