SHC extends stay order for old vegetable market relocation

Admin, traders lock horns over move to new Hala Naka vegetable market

HYDERABAD: As the standoff between the district administration and traders over the move from the old vegetable market to the new one continues, the Sindh High Court extended on Friday the stay order against the market's relocation.

The Hyderabad circuit bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Saleem Jessar and Justice Abdul Mubeen Lakho, adjourned the hearing to June 16, asking the authorities to implement the previous stay order.

The petitioners had filed a contempt plea against the district administration and the market committee chairperson, who oversees the new vegetable market in Hala Naka, on May 8. They accused the authorities of violating the stay order by compelling them to move.

In separate petitions, they maintained that the new market lacked basic facilities, while the contentious issue of multiple allotment of 34 properties had also not been resolved.

They said the vegetable and fruit traders too were interested in shifting to the new market but the lack of facilities acted as a barrier to their relocation. The Hyderabad Chamber of Small Trade and Industry also requested the government to stop the forcible shifting.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2020.