SC disposes of petition seeking more LHC benches

Asks petitioner to move relevant forum; directs govt to expedite formation of WWF

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday disposed of a petition seeking the formation of additional benches at the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Lahore Registry and asked the petitioner to move the appropriate forum.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandail, noted that the LHC full-court had made and administrative decision of not forming more benches at its Lahore Registry. Justice Bandial said this administrative decision of the court could be challenged at the LHC’s judicial side.

“The petitioner should, therefore, move the appropriate forum rather than approaching the Supreme Court,” he said. The counsel for the petitioner said this was public welfare and human rights issue.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court also ordered the government to expedite the formation of the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) and also to make it functional. The court ordered officials of the WWF to take measures for the release of funds.

A two-judge bench comprising Justice Umar Ata Bandial and Justice Ijazul Ahsan heard the case. Justice Ahsan asked why the provinces were not issued funds under the heads of marriage and death grants. “This is a very important matter,” he added.

The deputy attorney general told the court that the fund was still incomplete and was short of two members. Justice Ahsan asked who was supposed to form the fund.

Justice Bandial noted that it was the government’s failure if it had not formed the fund and made it functional. “The government’s preferences with regard to releasing funds have changed. Workers should show patience. The fund will be formed. The court will definitely come to the worker's rescue.”

Later, the bench adjourned the hearing of the case for an indefinite period.