SHC seeks replies on stay on Hindu Gymkhana’s possession by Napa

Petitioner contends space is reserved for Hindu community's religious, cultural activities

Our Correspondent January 18, 2020

PHOTO: REUTERS

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court issued on Friday notices to the Sindh government, the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa) and other parties, seeking their replies on a plea in relation to the possession of Hindu Gymkhana's building by Napa.

The plea, filed by Shri Ratneshwar Okha Maharaj Association, challenges the occupation of the building by Napa, stating the space is reserved to be used by the Hindu community for performing religious and cultural activities.

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed heard the plea and remarked that such issues were of grave concern.

The court issued notices to the Sindh government, Napa and other parties, directing them to submit their replies on the plea on February 12.

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Earlier, the court had issued a stay order on a plea pertaining to the possession of the Hindu Gymkhana building filed by Napa.

Fake domiciles

In another case, a list of citizens employed allegedly on the basis of fake domiciles was submitted to the bench, during the hearing of a plea pertaining to the issuance of fake domiciles.

The list was submitted by petitioner Khawaja Izharul Hassan, a leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, who maintained before the court that rules pertaining to the issuance of domiciles have been violated at various instances. In some cases a citizen was issued domiciles of two different cities, he claimed, adding that many have been employed in departments of the provincial government on the basis of fake domiciles.

Refuting Hassan's argument, the additional advocate general said that a person was eligible to acquire the domicile of a city after residing there for a period of three years or more.

The court adjourned the hearing till February 11.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2020.