ISLAMABAD: After the consent of President Asif Ali Zardari to the contempt of court amendment bill, it became a law providing exemption to higher government authorities.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday accorded assent to the Contempt of Court Bill 2012, making it into a law.

The law would exempt top government figures including President, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and federal, provincial ministers as well as governors from contempt of court proceedings.

The bill, exempts the 'holders of public office' from contempt in 'exercise of powers and performance' of functions and allows suspension of an appeal.

The President signed the bill already passed by the National Assembly on July 9 and by the Senate on July 11.