Pakistan's Chief Justice (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, critically questioned the credibility of Indian actress and politician Kangana Ranaut during a Supreme Court hearing in Islamabad. The CJP remarked, "Even her own party doesn't take her seriously, why should we?" after Ranaut's statements were referenced by a lawyer in a land dispute case before the court.

The remarks were made during proceedings concerning the distribution of land for a cooperative housing society in the federal capital. Advocate Azhar Siddique, representing one of the parties, cited Ranaut's recent public statements suggesting that Pakistan was "on the verge of collapse." Siddique presented these comments to support his argument that the society's land should not be allocated to the army, contending it would pose a security risk given the perceived instability.

Chief Justice Isa promptly interjected, challenging the relevance and factual basis of Ranaut's statement within a legal context. He questioned Advocate Siddique about the veracity of Ranaut's claims, asking whether they were grounded in facts or merely "rumours." The CJP emphasized the court's expectation for arguments to be based on credible evidence rather than unverified celebrity commentary. His pointed query regarding Ranaut's standing, even within her own political party, underscored his dismissal of her remarks as a valid source for judicial consideration.

  • Date of remarks: Tuesday, May 21, 2024
  • Location: Supreme Court of Pakistan, Islamabad
  • Context: Hearing of a case related to the distribution of land for a cooperative housing society
  • Lawyer involved: Advocate Azhar Siddique
  • Ranaut's statement cited: Claim that Pakistan was "on the verge of collapse"

The exchange highlights the judiciary's emphasis on evidentiary standards in court proceedings, particularly when external political commentary is introduced to support legal arguments. The Chief Justice's direct intervention served to steer the discussion back to legally admissible facts and away from unsubstantiated claims, irrespective of the prominence of the individual making them.

The incident underscores the formal environment of the Pakistani Supreme Court, where judicial proceedings prioritize substantiated information over public rhetoric. While such comments from a Chief Justice on an international public figure are notable, the primary focus of the court remained on the legal merits and evidence pertaining to the land dispute at hand. The court's proceedings are expected to continue with a focus on these evidentiary standards.