Stone crushing case: Interim order request to allow work rejected
SC separates K-P govt case, hints at penalties
PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The Supreme Court refused to pass an interim order allowing stone crushing in Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP).
The court also sought a concise statement from the Punjab government over stone crushers’ plea against a ban on crushing in Taxila.
A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali observed that though it is not the job of the apex court to interfere in administrative affairs, but noted that trees are being illegally felled and quarrying in MHNP goes and unchecked, and no action was taken against the parties responsible.
The CJ asked the K-P additional advocate general why some plants have not been removed despite the expiry of lease contracts six years ago.
He said action should be taken officers who had allowed the mining to go on after the leases expired. “Why was the decision taken and what prevented the officer from taking a decision [to stop the activity]”.
The chief justice said that as the K-P government had not taken action, the bench would proceed against it and separated the case.
Ali Zafar, counsel for the stone crushers, said the “important industry” is necessary for construction and infrastructure.
He claimed that the business of applicant sis being directly affected and that as a result, thousands of people are losing jobs due to the work stoppage ordered by the authorities.
The case was adjourned till June 29.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 23rd, 2016.
The Supreme Court refused to pass an interim order allowing stone crushing in Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP).
The court also sought a concise statement from the Punjab government over stone crushers’ plea against a ban on crushing in Taxila.
A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali observed that though it is not the job of the apex court to interfere in administrative affairs, but noted that trees are being illegally felled and quarrying in MHNP goes and unchecked, and no action was taken against the parties responsible.
The CJ asked the K-P additional advocate general why some plants have not been removed despite the expiry of lease contracts six years ago.
He said action should be taken officers who had allowed the mining to go on after the leases expired. “Why was the decision taken and what prevented the officer from taking a decision [to stop the activity]”.
The chief justice said that as the K-P government had not taken action, the bench would proceed against it and separated the case.
Ali Zafar, counsel for the stone crushers, said the “important industry” is necessary for construction and infrastructure.
He claimed that the business of applicant sis being directly affected and that as a result, thousands of people are losing jobs due to the work stoppage ordered by the authorities.
The case was adjourned till June 29.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 23rd, 2016.