IHC approves Maulvi Iftikhar-ud-din's bail in threats to Justice Isa case
We are accepting his bail to ensure a fair trial, says Justice Athar Minallah
August 20, 2020
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday approved Maulvi Iftikhar-ud-din Mirza's bail in the threats to Justice Isa case, adding that the court was doing so "to ensure a fair trial".
The high court approved Mirza's bail, asking him to deposit Rs1mn surety bonds. A two-member bench of the court, comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Amir Farooq was hearing the threats to Justice Isa case.
Read more: Threats to Justice Isa: SC issues contempt of court notice to Iftikhar-ud-Din Mirza
"Do you know what the suspect has said about the judge and the judiciary?" asked Justice Athar Minallah.
"The suspect has apologised for his words," responded Mirza's lawyer.
"The contempt of court case is with the Supreme Court, we are just deciding about the bail," said the IHC chief justice. "This matter pertains to maligning the entire judiciary," he added.
The suspect's lawyer responded by stating that his client had neither uploaded nor ensured that the video went viral.
The deputy general informed the court that the suspect was nominated in a case that included provisions of Anti-Terrorism Act, defamation and others.
"We are accepting his bail to ensure a fair trial," said the court.
CJP takes notice over derogatory video against Justice Isa
On June 25, CJP Gulzar Ahmed had taken notice of a video clip containing derogatory and scandalous language against Justice Faez Isa case.
In the viral video, Mirza was seen giving threats to the Supreme Court judge.
The video contained derogatory, contemptuous and scandalous language against the institution of the judiciary and the honourable judges, read the statement.
Threats to Justice Isa: SC issues contempt of court notice to Iftikhar-ud-Din Mirza
In an earlier trial, Mirza’s lawyer had informed the court that his client has apologised unconditionally for using derogatory language against Justice Isa, to which Justice Ajaz-ul-Ahsan said that the court does not have a copy of the apology letter.
“The words which were used, can they be used (against judiciary)? How can we accept an apology in such a case?” he had remarked, adding that the report has been filed with the Federal Investigation Agency.
Justice Ahsan had said that according to the AG, terrorism and criminal charges can be included in the case, adding that there is no point in submitting a written apology.
During the case’s proceedings, the chief justice had told Mirza's lawyer that his client should be sent to jail for six months. “You (lawyer) seem to be unaware of the seriousness of the case, you are taking it too lightly," he had said.
