Verdict Ends High-Profile Legal Battle Spanning 284 Hearings
A sessions court in Lahore has ordered artist Meesha Shafi to pay singer Ali Zafar Rs5 million in damages, delivering a reserved verdict in a high-profile defamation case filed in 2018. Additional Sessions Judge Asif Hayat announced the ruling on Tuesday, bringing to a close a protracted legal battle that spanned 284 hearings and involved statements from 20 witnesses.
Court Finds Allegations “False and Defamatory”
The court declared that Shafi’s social media post from April 19, 2018, and a subsequent interview were “false, defamatory and injurious imputations” against Zafar. The judgment stated the allegations of sexual harassment of a physical nature “have not been proved to be true or made for public good, and thus constitute actionable defamation.”
While awarding Zafar general damages for injury to reputation, dignity, and mental anguish, the court noted his claim for special damages was not proven through reliable evidence.
Permanent Restraint Order Issued
In a significant move, the court permanently restrained Meesha Shafi from repeating or publishing the allegations in any media format. The verdict explicitly bars her from posting related content on social media platforms.
“The defendant is further permanently restrained from repeating, publishing, or causing to be published, directly or indirectly, the aforesaid defamatory allegations… in any form of media, including print, electronic or social media,” the court order stated.
Case History and Legal Proceedings
Ali Zafar filed the defamation suit under the Defamation Ordinance 2002, seeking Rs1 billion in damages after Shafi publicly accused him of sexual harassment in April 2018—allegations he consistently denied. The case saw nine different judges preside over its duration.
Zafar was represented by lawyer Umar Tariq Gill, while Shafi was represented by Saqib Jilani. Both parties have been directed to appear before the court on May 4 for compensation proceedings.
Appeal Planned as Lawyers React
Following the judgment, Shafi’s lawyer announced plans to challenge the sessions court verdict in the high court. “We are currently reviewing the certified copy of the verdict,” he told media representatives.
Zafar’s lawyer indicated that further clarity would emerge once the detailed verdict is released. This trial court ruling came after the Lahore High Court ordered in January that the defamation suit be decided within 30 days.
Background of the Controversy
The legal battle began when Meesha Shafi used social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in April 2018 to publicly accuse Ali Zafar of physically harassing her on “more than one occasion.” The Lahore High Court had previously upheld a trial court order restraining Shafi from issuing statements against Zafar across all media platforms.
