Judges insist on strict action against indecent content on social media targeting women
Police officers walk past the Supreme Court of Pakistan building, in Islamabad, Pakistan April 6, 2022. REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
The Supreme Court on Monday harshly judged the dissemination of obscene content against women on social media, observing that if the situation had become so dangerous, children should not be given cell phones and that crimes involving attacks on personal dignity must be punished rigorously.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail made the observations while the court was considering a bail application in a case involving the alleged dissemination of obscene and immoral content against women on social media.
The hearing was conducted by a two-judge bench comprising Justice Mandokhail and Justice Musarrat Hilali, who heard the bail plea of accused Tayyab Dar, accused of posting immoral content about women on social media platforms.
During the proceedings, the plaintiff’s lawyer argued that the objectionable information allegedly disseminated by the defendant was still available on social media and included messages about women that could not even be read aloud in court.
In response, the defense attorney argued that the Facebook posts were uploaded by the defendant’s son, arguing that no action could be taken against the father for his son’s actions.
He further claimed that the SIM card registered in the father’s name was used by the son.
However, the complainant’s lawyer informed the court that investigation revealed that the father and son used the same mobile phone.
At this point, Justice Mandokhail remarked that if the situation was indeed so alarming, children should not be given mobile phones, adding that such crimes should be taken seriously as no one could be allowed to harm the honor of others.
Justice Musarrat Hilali questioned whether the accused was never informed about how his number was used, observing that documentary evidence was available against Tayyab Dar.
The plaintiff’s lawyer requested additional time to submit additional documents, which the court granted before adjourning the hearing for a week.
