The controversial Punjab Defamation Bill became law on Monday after the provincial government issued a gazette notification amid concerns over press freedom.

Acting Governor Punjab Malik Ahmad Khan had signed the bill a few days ago. After the gazette notification, the defamation law went into effect immediately in the province.

It was passed by the assembly last month amid protests by the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council and journalists covering parliamentary proceedings.

Earlier in the day, the Lahore High Court Registrar’s Office removed the objection raised against the law, declaring the petition admissible.

Sources said that the petition would be scheduled for hearing on Tuesday (tomorrow).

The petition asked the high court to strike down the defamation law, saying it violated the fundamental rights of citizens protected in the Constitution. Journalists Riaz Ahmad Raja and Jaffar Ahmad Yar, who filed the plea, said that it would have been better to amend the Defamation Ordinance 2002 and the Punjab Defamation Act 2012 rather than coming up with a whole new legislation.

It said the definition of “journalist” and “newspaper” provided in the impugned law was vague, irrational and ambiguous.

The law allows the formation of a special tribunal to try those involved in drafting, publishing and/or airing “fake news”. The tribunal shall decide the case within six months and may impose a fine of up to Rs3 million. But in cases of allegations against individuals holding constitutional posts, the high court will hear the cases.

Also, it says the government will provide legal assistance to women and transgender individuals in defamation cases through an official legal team.

The journalists have described it as “black law”, saying that their suggestions were not taken before passing the bill.