LHC seeks replies on petitions against Punjab defamation law

Justice Anwaar Hussain passed order on different petitions moved by journalists, media organisations and civil society groups seeking to have the law declared void

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-March 31^st, 2026) The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday asked the Attorney General of Pakistan and the Assistant Advocate General Punjab to submit their responses in petitions questioning the validity of the Punjab Defamation Act 2024, which has been criticised for its potential impact on freedom of expression.

Justice Anwaar Hussain passed the order while hearing different petitions moved by journalists, media organisations and civil society groups seeking to have the law declared void.

The legislation, introduced by the Punjab government in June 2024, was described by authorities as a measure to address the spread of false, misleading, and defamatory content across print, electronic and social media platforms. However, it faced strong opposition from political stakeholders, media representatives, and rights organisations.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has termed it a possible threat to press freedom in the province.

Several petitions have been filed in the court challenging the law’s legality.

During the hearing, counsel Faisal Siddiqi, representing journalists’ organisations, argued that the provincial legislature does not have the constitutional authority to legislate on defamation, asserting that the subject falls within the Federal domain.

He also raised concerns over clauses that grant additional safeguards to constitutional office holders and state functionaries, including the president, armed forces personnel, and senior members of the judiciary.

Counsel Asad Jamal, appearing on behalf of journalists Mansoor Ali Khan and Benazir Shah, referred to a March 15 post on social media by Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. In that post, she cautioned that action would be taken under the law against individuals allegedly spreading “fake news” regarding the purchase of a luxury jet. He argued that the example demonstrated how the law could be applied to pressure critics.

After the arguments, the court issued notices to the relevant federal and provincial law officers and instructed the provincial government’s counsel to present the record of deliberations held in the Punjab Assembly on the legislation.

The adjourned the case until April 7 (next Tuesday).