"It is not believed that a court can issue an order on its own motion regarding a matter occurring outside of legal proceedings"
Former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has criticized the Criminal Court's decision to issue a self-initiated order regarding an "Adhadhu" news documentary, asserting that courts should not exercise such authority over matters occurring outside the courtroom. Dr. Jameel argued that contempt of court orders are strictly intended for incidents within judicial proceedings and contended that issuing broad orders that infringe upon individual liberties is a violation of established legal regulations.
Former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed speaking on RaajjeTV's "TV Talk" programme. | Screen image
Former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has stated that he does not believe a court can issue an order on its own initiative regarding matters occurring outside of the courtroom.
He made these remarks while speaking on a talk show hosted by RaajjeTV.
He stated that the concept of contempt of court, or a gag order, is a mechanism intended to maintain control over proceedings within the courtroom. Jameel further noted that such an order may be issued if a case is reported in a manner that misrepresents its facts or if there is a deliberate attempt to influence public perception in a specific direction.
Jameel stated that judges and scholars alike oppose issuing orders that deprive individuals of their liberty for even a single day. He further described such actions as the state unjustly targeting a private citizen.
"This is clearly outlined in the regulations as well. While the regulations state that a judge may issue an order regarding matters occurring within the court, the state currently frames charges for incidents occurring outside the courtroom. Furthermore, these measures are applied very specifically to certain individuals or groups, rather than being applied as a general rule," Jameel said.
On May 10, the Criminal Court issued a nationwide injunction prohibiting any discussion, whether direct or indirect, regarding the "Aisha" documentary produced by Adhadhu news.
