Court rejects Axact plea seeking compensation from PEMRA, FIA

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 May 2015

The Sindh High Court has rejected Axact's plea for compensation from PEMRA and FIA. The court stated that Axact didn't formally complain about the alleged defamation.

Summary

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court Thursday rejected a plea of Axact, a parent company of BOL, seeking compensation of Rs200 million from Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Axact sought the compensation from the two for not stopping television channels from airing defamatory news against the company. The court rejected the plea saying the case is not admissible as Axact has not lodged a complaint with PEMRA regarding the matter. It also said that Axact could have filed a complaint against the channels under PEMRA Rule No. 26. Several television channels continue to have a field day in reporting against Axact after The New York Times published a story alleging the company was involved in selling fake diplomas.

KEY POINTS:

• Axact sought Rs200 million compensation from PEMRA and FIA.
• The court ruled the plea inadmissible due to lack of a formal complaint.
• Defamatory news was aired by multiple television channels.
• The New York Times previously reported that Axact sold fake diplomas.
• PEMRA Rule No. 26 allows Axact to file a complaint against channels.