Failure to appoint copyright authority chairman irks SHC

Court also summons officials in case against illegal construction in Lines Area

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court sought a clarification from the commerce and law federal secretaries on the adjournment of copyright cases due to the failure to appoint a chairman for the relevant authority. A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput and Justice Muhammad Faisal Kamal Alam, heard the petition.

The court was furious over nonappointment of a Copyright chairman for five years. During an exchange of words with the representative of the attorney general of Pakistan, Justice Rajput said legislation over the matter was completed in two hours, yet an appointment had not been made for five years. "The real work, which needs to be carried out, is pending because politics is being played," remarked Justice Alam.

The court ordered that a progress report on the appointment should be submitted by January 11 otherwise the federal secretary concerned would be summoned in person. The court sought clarification from the mentioned secretaries and ordered the consolidation of copyrights.

Court orders vacation of plots Meanwhile, the SHC ordered the recovery of 4,000 plots illegally occupied plots in Orangi Baldia Cottage Industries. The same divisional bench heard the case against the illegal occupation of land of Orangi Baldia Town Cottage Industries.

The court remarked that the obstruction should be dealt with in accordance with the law. KMC's counsel argued that about 4,000 small traders had been allotted plots, while the board of revenue allotted some land to other people. KMC officials acknowledged that much of the land had been encroached upon. Justice Rajput asked what was to be built on this land. KMC's counsel Hassan Abidi replied that the land was allocated for small and cottage industries.

The court remarked that 4,000 factories would be a source of employment for many people. Justice Rajput added that revenue would also be generated for Karachi and the province. The court ordered that the 4,000 plots be vacated. It also ordered the removal of any other occupations in Orangi Baldia Industries Cottage.

The SHC told the government to enlist the help of law enforcement agencies, remove illegal occupants and set up the industry in the shortest possible time. It also said that the survey of the Sindh chief secretary, Board of Revenue and KMC should be completed in two days and sought a progress report.

Lines Area construction

Separately, the SHC summoned the Jamshed Town assistant director and Master Plan Department senior director in a case against illegal constructions in Lines Area. A divisional bench, comprising Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput and Justice Muhammad Faisal Kamal Alam, heard the petition. The petitioner's counsel, Advocate Zahid Khan, stated that there was no place for an ambulance to enter in Lines Area.

"The wide streets have been reduced to three feet. It is a pity that difficulties are faced by the people taking the bodies away for funeral. Relevant authorities should be directed to take action against illegal constructions," he said. The court directed the Jamshed Town assistant director and Senior Master Plan director to appear before it on January 12.

Collection of tax, fees

In addition, the SHC issued notices for December 16 on a petition against the awarding of a contract to collect internal tax on cattle and health clearance certificate fees to the alleged front-man of a prominent figure in Sindh. Barrister Zameer Hussain Ghumro argued that Rs300 and Rs200 per person are charged as health clearance fee on dairy animals brought to Karachi through Super Highway, National Highway and Hub River Road.

"This contract has been held by a very influential person of Sindh for 12 years. With the connivance of District Council Karachi, this contract is being awarded to Hakim Ali Jaskani's company at a very low price," he contended. After hearing the arguments, the court issued notice to the parties and sought a reply.