One Constitution Avenue: Court restrains parties, puts CDA on notice

Court turns down request for stay order

ISLAMABAD: While putting the Capital Development Authority on notice, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) restrained a private firm and CDA from taking any adverse action in a case where the firm has challenged the civic body’s decision to terminate a land lease contract.

IHC Justice Athar Minallah, while turning down the request to grant a stay, issued a notice to the CDA for August 16, observing that a stay could not be granted without hearing the other party.

On August 10, BNP group — the owners of the One Constitution Avenue complex — challenged the CDA’s decision to terminate their lease and seal the buildings.

The CEO of BNP and another owner have, through Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, requested the court to restrain the civic body from taking any adverse action while the case is being heard.

On August 1, the CDA informed the IHC that it had terminated BNP’s 99-year lease due to violations of CDA bylaws and rescheduling of outstanding dues.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2016.