Defamation Bill becomes law in Punjab

Lahore: The Defamation Bill passed by the Punjab Assembly became law after the Acting Governor Punjab signed it.

According to the media reports, Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan signed the bill after which the Defamation Bill passed by the Punjab Assembly has become a law.

The Governor House has confirmed the signing of the Defamation Bill by Acting Governor Punjab Malik Ahmad Khan. The summary was sent to the Ministry of Law, which will also be gazetted soon. After the notification, the defamation law will formally come into force in Punjab and will apply to every citizen.

After the signing of the defamation bill by the Acting Governor, Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari reacted and said that the Governor was sent on leave under the plan and the bill got signed by the Acting Governor, adding that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) also cheated the journalists.

Arshad Ansari further said that the PPP was apparently with the journalists and was connected with the government from within. The action committee meeting will be called soon and the next action plan will be announced.

It is pertinent to note that the Defamation Bill 2024 was passed in the Punjab Assembly despite the objections of the journalistic organisations and the protests of the opposition.

The bill was presented by Provincial Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman. All the amendments of the opposition were rejected, the opposition protested against the bill calling it a black law and tore up copies of the bill.

The government rejected the proposal of journalist organisations to postpone the bill. Later the officials of the Joint Action Committee of Journalists Organisations met Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider and informed him about their concerns that the Bill is an attempt to stifle the freedom of expression.

On this occasion, Governor Punjab Salim Haider said that all the stakeholders will be taken into confidence on the controversial clauses, the bill should have been consulted earlier, he will not sign without consultation.

Governor Punjab stated that the PPP does not support the current bill and stands with the media.

What is Defamation Bill 2024?

Defamation Bill 2024 will apply to print, electronic and social media. The defamation case can be filed on false and untrue news spread.

The bill will also apply to fake news spread through YouTube and other social media platforms. Action will also be taken on the news spread to harm personal life and public position.

Tribunals will be set up for defamation cases which will be bound to decide within six months.

Under the defamation bill, there will be a compensation of Rs3 million, the High Court bench will be able to hear cases against persons holding constitutional positions.