The Defamation Bill 2024, passed by the Punjab Assembly, has officially become law after being signed by Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.
This development occurred following the departure of Punjab Governor Salim Haider abroad, who had expressed reservations about the bill. The bill had been pending the governor's assent, for several days after being passed by the Punjab Assembly.
According to sources from the Punjab Governor House, Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan signed the bill, allowing it to become law. The Defamation Bill 2024, presented by provincial Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, had faced significant reservations from journalist organizations and the opposition, who criticized it as a "black law" aimed at stifling freedom of expression.
Despite the objections and protests, all amendments proposed by the opposition were rejected, leading to heated debates, protests, and the tearing of bill copies in the assembly. Journalist organizations had requested a delay in the bill’s passage to address their concerns, but their proposal was dismissed.
Representatives from the Joint Action Committee of media organizations had subsequently met with Governor Sardar Salim Haider to express their apprehensions. During the meeting, they argued that the bill was an attempt to curb freedom of expression.
Governor Haider assured them that he would consult all stakeholders regarding the controversial clauses and would not sign the bill without thorough consultation. He also highlighted that the PPP, to which he belongs, did not support the bill in its current form and supported the media.
However, with Governor Haider abroad, Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan signed the bill and returned it to the Punjab Assembly. The bill will come into effect following its gazette notification.
Law challenged
Meanwhile, the law has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, with petitioners arguing that the law is unconstitutional and was hastily implemented without proper consultation with journalists and media organizations.
A petition against the law was filed on behalf of journalist Jaffar Ahmed Yar and citizen Raja Riaz.
The petition names the chief minister and the governor of Punjab, through the principal secretary, as respondents, along with the provincial government. The petitioners claim that the new defamation law contradicts existing legal frameworks, specifically citing the presence of the Defamation Ordinance and the Defamation Act, which they argue preclude the need for additional legislation.
The petitioners contend that the Defamation Bill 2024 was introduced and passed in a hurried manner, allegedly aimed at controlling the press and stifling freedom of expression. They emphasize that the bill was enacted without consulting key stakeholders in the journalistic community, which they believe undermines its legitimacy and fairness.
The plea requests that the Lahore High Court declare the defamation law null and void. Additionally, the petitioners seek an immediate suspension of the law's implementation until a final judicial decision is made regarding its constitutionality and adherence to existing laws.
What is Defamation Bill 2024?
- The bill applies to print, electronic, and social media.
- Defamation cases can be filed against false or untrue news.
- It is also applicable to alleged fake news spread via YouTube and social media.
- The bill covers defamation damaging personal lives and public places.
- Tribunals will be established to handle defamation cases, which must be resolved within six months.
- The bill stipulates a compensation of Rs3 million.
- A high court bench will hear cases against individuals holding constitutional positions.
