Chaudhry Tabraiz Aurah
London: The long-running legal dispute between PML-N leader and Punjab Senior Minister Mariam Aurang Zeeb and human rights activist Shayan Ali is scheduled for its next hearing at the London High Court on March 31, 2025, under Case Number KB-2023-003544. The case, which has attracted significant public and media attention, revolves around allegations of defamation and reputational harm, with both parties preparing to present further evidence at the upcoming hearing.
Claimant: Mariam Aurang Zeeb, a prominent political figure known for her close association with PML-N President Mian Nawaz Sharif, currently serves as the Senior Minister in Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s cabinet. She initiated legal action against Shayan Ali, alleging that his statements caused severe damage to her reputation.Defendant: Shayan Ali, a human rights activist and law student, has denied the allegations and maintains that his statements were truthful and made in the public interest.The legal proceedings have highlighted a sharp contrast in legal representation:Mariam Aurang Zeeb is represented by Stone White Solicitors, a reputed law firm known for handling high-profile defamation cases.Shayan Ali is acting as a litigant in person, representing himself without formal legal counsel, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the proceedings.
The case arises from a series of public statements made by Shayan Ali, which Mariam Aurang Zeeb claims were false, defamatory, and deliberately intended to damage her reputation. Zeeb’s legal team has argued that these statements caused significant reputational harm and emotional distress, prompting her to seek damages and a public retraction.
In response, Shayan Ali has denied the allegations, maintaining that his statements were based on facts and did not cross the legal threshold of defamation. Acting as a litigant in person, Ali has argued that his comments were an exercise of free speech and were aimed at addressing matters of public concern.Since the case was filed in 2023, the court has held multiple hearings to assess the admissibility of evidence and address procedural matters. The upcoming hearing on March 31, 2025, is expected to focus on key legal and evidentiary issues that could determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial.The hearing is likely to address:The admissibility of key evidence presented by both parties.The possibility of a settlement or the likelihood of the case proceeding to trial.Further procedural directions that will shape the future course of the Legal experts following the case believe that its outcome could set a significant precedent for defamation law in the UK, particularly in cases involving public figures and the balance between free speech and reputational protection.
As the March 31 hearing approaches, public interest in the case remains high, with observers eagerly awaiting the court’s decisions on the next steps in this high-profile legal battle.
