ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the apology sought by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MNA and television anchor Dr Aamir Liaquat Hussain in a contempt case and ordered him to appear before the courtin person.

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, during the hearing, lashed out at the televangelist, asking if anyone could speak against the judiciary and insult it.

The CJP asked if Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman was present in the court as he was supposed to formally chargesheet Dr Hussain.

Advocate Shahab Sarki, who appeared before the court as the counsel for Dr Hussain, requested the court to accept the apology, saying that doors of forgiveness should never be shut.

The court, however, adjourned for a brief time, directing that the additional attorney general attend the proceedings when they would assemble.

Dr Hussain appeared before the court and tried to seek an apology for himself, but was told to sit down. He, however, could not be chargesheeted on Tuesday.

In August, the SC had framed a contempt of court charge against Dr Hussainwhile taking up petitions filed by TV anchor Shahzeb Khanzada, Independent Media Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, Mir Ibrahimur Rehman and Najam Aziz Sethi accusing Dr Hussain of flouting the March 28, 2017 order restraining him from carrying out defamatory campaigns and conducting television shows in an unethical manner.

Issuing a contempt notice to Dr Hussain in August, CJP Nisar had asked should a person who did not know what to speak on public forums be in parliament.

A clip of Dr Hussain`s TV programme was also played in the court on the chief justice`s orders. Dr Hussain had used derogatory words for the owner of a TV channel as well.

The CJP, while issuing the show-cause notice to the anchor for his misleading and humiliating statements, had directed him to submit a reply within two weeks.

Later, Dr Hussain was fined Rs20,000 for failing to appear before the court.

In May, he was banned for allegedly fuelling sectarian debate during his Ramazan programme.

Taking action over the content of the show, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority banned Dr Hussain for 30 days under Section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance, 2012.