Stay order requested from High Court for Anti-Defamation Act

A team of lawyers has requested the High Court for a stay order on Anti-Defamation and Freedom of Speech Act.

A number of journalists working for television channels and online newspapers have been fined large sums under the Act, while authorities investigate more complaints filed in reference to the Act.

The stay order was requested with the High Court this Wednesday by lawyers Maumoon Hameed, Hassan Muaz Shareef and Ibrahim Shameel.

They argued that implementation of punishment under the Anti-Defamation Act was a huge disadvantage to the public, and asked that a stay order be issued on implementing any

measures against anyone in reference to the Act until the court issues its ruling on the case.

The team of lawyers also filed a case with High Court in January requesting omission of certain clauses in the Anti-Defamation Act. No hearing in the case has been held to date.