The charge cannot be framed without providing opportunity of preliminary hearing to the alleged contemnor under Section 17 (3) of the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003

The reading of the aforesaid section clearly accentuates that before taking cognizance or fixing the date for framing of charge the alleged contemnor was to be given an opportunity of preliminary hearing by the court and after due satisfaction if prima facie case is made out the court may fix the date for framing of charge in open court and proceed to decide the matter.