A Lawyer has been sent to six-month jail for misbehaving with LHC judge. The Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan handed down a six-month jail sentence to lawyer Zahid Mahmood Goraya for misconduct towards a judge during a court hearing.
Misbehavior Leads to Legal Action
The incident occurred during a hearing in the court of Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad of the Lahore High Court, where Goraya was accused of behaving inappropriately.
Subsequently, Justice Ahmad referred the matter to the LHC chief justice, urging action against Goraya.
Contempt Proceedings Initiated
Under the Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003, coupled with Article 204 of the Constitution, Goraya was issued a show-cause notice and appeared before the court to present his defense.
Apology Unsuccessful
Despite offering an unconditional apology last week, Goraya was indicted on contempt charges by Justice Khan.
Goraya clarified to reporters that his misconduct was impulsive and not premeditated, emphasizing that the judge had initially accepted his apology and agreed to withdraw the complaint.
Lengthy Hearing and Pleas for Mercy
During Monday’s hearing, Goraya, accompanied by his lawyer, LHC Bar Association President Asad Manzoor Butt, repeatedly requested an adjournment until after Eidul Fitr 2024.
He expressed a desire for forgiveness from the court, irrespective of the outcome.
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The proceedings, which lasted over three-and-a-half hours, involved testimonies from three witnesses.
Goraya also requested permission to use the washroom due to his diabetes, to which Justice Khan remarked on the prevalence of diabetes claims.
Sentence and Fine Imposed
Despite pleas for leniency from both Goraya and his legal representative, Justice Khan emphasized his commitment to upholding the Constitution.
Consequently, Goraya was sentenced to six months in prison, with the judge instructing the police to take him into custody. Additionally, a fine of Rs100,000 was imposed on Goraya.
