A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry heard the case against the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf chief.
The apex court had issued a notice to Khan, asking him to explain why action should not be taken against him for contempt of court for making derogatory remarks about judges during a recent interaction with the media.
The bench said verbal and written replies submitted by Khan were "insufficient". Khan initially delivered a brief verbal respose, saying his lawyer had returned from the US last night and was not prepared for the case.
Khan said in the response that he had used the word "shameful" to describe presiding officers involved in the recent election, and not the judiciary.
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The Chief Justice observed that since Khan is a public figure, such remarks were not expected from him. Khan said he and his party strongly support the judiciary and had worked hard to restore judges sacked by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.
The bench finally gave Khan time till August 28 to submit a detailed written response and adjourned the case.
He added, "I have not said anything that is punishable by law. My statements were made in the interest of democracy in Pakistan.