SHC orders action against illegal portions

Directs demolition of extra floors of Makka Terrace

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered action against four-storey portions in Makkah Terrace within a month and sought a report.

A two-judge bench comprising Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput and Justice Muhammad Faisal Kamal Alam heard the petition seeking action against Makkah Terrace situated along Preedy Street.

The petitioner's counsel argued that the building was constructed on a piece of land measuring 500 square yards and the compulsory open space, which is required as per building rules, has also been included in the covered area.

The court ordered to complete the process to demolish Makkah Terrace within a month. Justice Alam remarked that now the same decision would be taken in every case.Meanwhile, Justice Rajput remarked that any building that is illegal should be demolished.

The high court remarked that the names of all the officers, alive or dead, in-service or retired, who gave permission for the construction of such illegal buildings, should be furnished. The court directed the DG SBCA to ensure action against each delinquent officer within a week.

The court remarked that the responsible officer should not be given any post until the inquiry was pending against them.Expressing anger, Justice Rajput told the SBCA DG that the performance of his institution was zero. "We announce decisions but no action has been taken," the court remarked.

"How are these buildings being constructed? Were your officers asleep when such illegal buildings are being built?" remarked Justice Rajput.The court inquired about the action taken against the Makkah Terrace.

To which the SBCA DG said that action would be taken against the builder today. Expressing anger, Justice Rajput said, "You are standing here because your officers are not performing their duties well."The court ordered the DG SBCA to demolish all that is illegal and submit a report within a month. The court sought inquiry report against the officers responsible, within a week.

Read More: MDA demolishes illegal structure

Illegal occupation of land

An SHC bench has directed the University of Karachi lawyer to file a fresh contempt of court petition against illegal occupation of 10 acres of land belonging to the Institute of Business and Engineering Science.

A bench headed by Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput while hearing the case got angry over the university's counsel for not carrying out construction on the said land even in 10 years. The university's counsel said that the land mafia has occupied the land. The court said, "Why haven't you carried out the construction?"

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2021.