SC steps in to protect witnesses, curb ‘abusive’ cross-questioning

ISLAMABAD: In a significant step to protect witnesses from abusive cross-examination practices and physical hardship, the Supreme Court on Friday directed trial court judges to act as vigilant supervisors rather than silent spectators, ensuring that court proceedings are not used to scandalise, insult or annoy witnesses. “The courtroom must remain a place where justice is administered not only with authority but with humanity,” observed Justice Salahuddin Panwhar in a judgement he authored,...

6 Mar, 19:24 — 7 Mar, 02:47

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Why this matters

This ruling is significant as it addresses long-standing issues of witness intimidation and harassment in trial courts, which can impede justice. By empowering judges to protect witnesses, the Supreme Court aims to ensure fair trials and uphold the dignity of individuals participating in the legal process.

Key entitiesSupreme Court Trial Court Judges

The Story

What 2 sources agree on, dispute, and miss

What sources agree on

The Supreme Court has issued directives to protect witnesses
The directives aim to curb abusive cross-questioning practices
Trial court judges are instructed to act as vigilant supervisors

Key claims3 agreed

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The Supreme Court issued directives on Friday

agreed·Dawn

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The directives aim to protect witnesses from physical hardship

agreed·Dawn

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The SC ruled that witnesses should be protected from harassment during testimonies

agreed·express-tribune

The Story

Analyzing sources…

Source Diversity

Low (19/100)

2 sources— more sources would strengthen this score15/33

Spectrum spread— 1/5 buckets covered0/33

Far L

Left

Center2

Center (2)

Dawnexpress-tribune

Right

Far R

Geographic diversity— 1 region4/34

Pakistan2

ℹAll sources from Pakistan region

ℹOnly 2 sources cover this story

Political spectrum

LeftCenterRight

dawn

express-tribune

Outlet rating This story

SourceOutletiGeneral editorial lean of the outletStoryiHow they covered this specific storyToneFactuality

DawncentercenterneutralMostly Factualfactual reporting on court directives

express-tribunecentercenterneutralMostly Factualneutral presentation of court ruling

Coverage leans: balanced

Both outlets present the Supreme Court's directives in a neutral and informative manner, focusing on the factual aspects of the ruling without apparent political leanings.