IHC stays jail trial in cipher case

ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (Online): Islamabad High Court (IHC) while stopping jail trial in cipher case has adjourned the hearing of petitions against non completion of process, indictment and in-camera hearing till January 11.
The court has remarked the hearing of the cipher case is being stayed till January 11.

Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked help was taken from 1923 law in this case. World was unaware of basic human rights in 1923.

A single bench of IHC led by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb took up the case for hearing Thursday.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Additional General Munawwar Iqbal appeared in the court under court’s order.
FIA special prosecution team also appeared in the court.

The counsel for the petitioner took the plea the trial be halted.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked we are issuing notice and later the court will see the matter.
FIA prosecutor received notice in the court.

Suleman Akram Raja counsel for PTI founder appeared in the court through video link.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked I need reply to two questions. This court had said open trial should be conducted. Then why in-camera hearing was held. Security is in the jurisdiction of court. We will not interfere in it.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked cipher trial is being run in haste. The importance of open hearing is neither clear on judge of special court nor on prosecutors. Cipher trial is first trial of its nature. We have to see if the right of fair trial under article 10-A was given or not in the cases like this.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb inquired what facts were before Supreme Court (SC) when it granted bail.

AG said there were statements of 13 witnesses before SC. SC was seeing the matter of bail.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked now my clarification has been done.

SC remarked sufficient material was not before them for not granting bail.

The court while issuing stay order on cipher trial stopped it till January 11.

The court remarked there are legal questions on the statements of witnesses recorded in this case.
The court will review them on January 11.