Despite criticism, the Punjab government enforced a new defamation law by issuing a gazette notification of the Punjab Defamation Act 2024.
Acting governor Malik Ahmad Khan had signed the bill a few days ago.
As per the new law in the country’s largest province, damages up to Rs3 million could be awarded before trial and the tribunal can pass an interim order for damages of Rs3 million without a trial on receipt of a defamation petition.
The government may establish as many tribunals as it deems necessary to ensure the implementation of this Act. The Punjab government shall determine the scope of the tribunal by law.
Defamation Tribunal shall be bound to decide on the complaint within six months and a special tribunal will punish those involved in "creating and spreading fake news" within six months, the law said.
These defamation tribunals have been empowered under the Defamation Act 2024. As per news, no court can issue an injunction to stay the proceedings of the tribunals.
Any person can file a complaint with the tribunal within 60 days of the alleged defamation incident.
