The Supreme Court while hearing the Meesha Shafi sexual harassment case on Friday sought the examples of court decisions on virtual cross-examination from the lawyer for Ali Zafar, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

“Why can’t Meesha Shafi be cross-examined virtually from Canada?” the apex court questioned Ali Zafar’s lawyer, asking him to submit the examples of court decisions on virtual cross-examination within six days.

Ali Zafar’s lawyer adopted before the court that the time difference between Canada and Pakistan was nine hours. “If the video link breaks down during cross-examination, my client’s case will be affected,” he added.

“We want cross-examination in Meesha Shafi’s presence in the courtroom. We are ready to give an air ticket for Meesha Shafi to come to Pakistan from Canada,” he stated.

“Why not be cross-examined on a video link? Please satisfy us at this point first,” Justice Qazi Faez Isa said.

“Present examples of court decisions on this question,” he said to the lawyer.

“Is there a law that prevents virtual cross-examination?” he questioned.

A two-member SC bench, headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa, conducted the hearing.

It merits a mention here that Meesha Shafi had filed a request for her virtual cross-examination in the harassment case.

 

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori