The Lahore High Court has directed the trial court to announce its verdict within 30 days in the defamation case filed by Ali Zafar against Meesha Shafi.
The court dismissed Meesha Shafi’s petition that challenged the trial court’s earlier order barring her from making statements about Ali Zafar in the media and on social platforms until the case concludes.
Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad ruled that the trial court’s restriction remains lawful and justified. He said public commentary on a matter under judicial consideration can harm the dignity of the parties involved and interfere with due process, creating the risk of a media trial.
Read: Meesha Shafi Wins Defamation Case Against ARY’s UK Broadcaster
The judgment noted that freedom of expression is a constitutional right but not an absolute one. Courts can impose reasonable limits to protect the integrity of proceedings and ensure a fair trial.
Ali Zafar filed the defamation suit in 2018, alleging that Meesha Shafi made false and unfounded allegations of sexual harassment. He said the claims damaged his reputation, career, and business interests, and sought damages of Rs 1 billion.
With the Lahore High Court’s order, the trial court must now deliver its decision within the specified timeframe.
