Judges stress strict measures against indecent material on social media aimed at women
Police officers walk past the Supreme Court of Pakistan building, in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 6, 2022. REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
The Supreme Court on Monday took a stern stance on the circulation of obscene content against women on social media, observing that if the situation had become so dangerous, mobile phones should not be given to children and that crimes involving attacks on personal dignity must be dealt with rigorously.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail made these observations when the court accepted a bail plea in a case related to alleged circulation of obscene and immoral content against women on social media.
The hearing was conducted by a two-member bench comprising Justice Mandokhail and Justice Musarrat Hilali, which heard the bail application of accused Tayyab Dar, who has been accused of posting immoral content about women on social media platforms.
During the proceedings, the complainant’s lawyer argued that objectionable material allegedly spread by the accused was still available on social media and included posts about women that could not even be read aloud in court.
In response, the defense attorney argued that the Facebook posts had been uploaded by the defendant’s son, arguing that no case could be brought against the father for his son’s actions.
He further maintained that the SIM card registered in the name of the father was being used by the son.
However, the author’s lawyer informed the court that investigations had revealed that both the father and the son used the same mobile phone.
At this point, Justice Mandokhail noted that if the situation was really so alarming, children should not be provided with mobile phones, adding that such crimes must be considered seriously as no one can be allowed to defame the honor of others.
Justice Musarrat Hilali questioned whether the accused had never been informed about how his number was being used and noted that there was documentary evidence available against Tayyab Dar.
The author’s lawyer requested more time to submit more documents, which the court granted before adjourning the hearing for a week.
