ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned proceedings of the contempt of court case against former Law Minister Babar Awan until July 5, DawnNews reported.

A two-member bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan and Justice Athar Saeed, was hearing a suo motu notice taken on Babar Awan’s address at a press conference held in the Press Information Department on December 1, after the initial order of the larger bench on the memogate issue was released.

The same bench has also indicted Awan in contempt under relevant provisions.

During today’s proceedings, Awan argued that the court had had slapped contempt charges only against him while there were six people, including two other ministers, present at the press conference in question.

Awan argued that if attempts to influence the court equate to contempt, then so should rallies taken out in favour of it. The former minister further said that the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO-2000) provides cover to the judges’ oaths.

Moreover, he said that one PCO cannot be legitimised if the other is termed unlawful.

Over Awan’s request for a three-day leave of absence for medical reasons, the court adjourned the hearing until July 5.

During previous proceedings, Awan had requested the bench to consider his unconditional apology he had tendered with it and drop further proceedings.