The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the Rangers law officer to submit a written statement on a petition regarding the use of land by the Rangers near Gulashan Iqbal National Stadium.
Justice Zafar Ahmad Rajput remarked that it has been reported that Rangers have made parking at the bungalows allotted to private persons. Justice Muhammad Faisal Kamal Alam in his remarks said that the Rangers should be limited to the bungalow allotted to DG Rangers.
A two-judge bench comprising Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput and Justice Muhammad Faisal Kamal Alam heard the petition filed by Azmi and other allottees against the occupation of additional 2.5 acres of land near Gulshan Iqbal National Stadium.
The court remarked that there was a dispute on over 8 acres of land and bungalows which is under used by the Rangers in the petitions. If the Rangers’ lawyers had submitted a written reply regarding the use of only 2.5 acres of land, the court would have disposed of the application today.
If the area of the land under the use of Rangers is more than two amd a half acre tha additinol area have to be vacated. Rangers’ lawyer argued that the Rangers were using only the land Sindh government had given them. The public prosecutor took the position that the bungalow was allotted to DG Rangers as per the decision of the Presidency. Justice Zafar Ahmad Rajput remarked that it has been reported that Rangers have made parking on bungalows allotted to private persons.
Justice Muhammad Faisal Kamal Alam while giving remarks said that the bungalow allotted to Rangers sDG hould be limited to the area they were alloted. The court remarked that 2.5 acres of land has been allotted but no ownership rights have been given. Today, if the Sindh government asks the DG Rangers to vacate the bungalow, it will have to be vacated. Rangers cannot build boundary walls and concrete structures on other people’s land.
The court directed Rangers law officer to submit written statement regarding 2.5 acre and adjourned the hearing.
Read More: No check on illegal construction
Illegal construction
Meanwhile, an SHC bench issued notices to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) DG and others to stop illegal constructions of a ground plus four building in the Karachi Bar Cooperative Housing Society (KBCHS).
A two-member bench headed by Justice Zafar Ahmad Rajput heard the petition. The petitioner’s counsel stated that Ground Plus One is permitted in Karachi Bar Cooperative Society. Nooruddin Sheikh constructed Ground Plus Four at 240 square yards. The ongoing construction work on Plot No. 365 should be stopped, the petioner said.
The court ordered to stop illegal construction and issued notice to SSBCA DG and others for January 18 and sought a reply.
The same bench comprising Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput and Justice Muhammad Faisal Kamal Alam issued a written verdict on the Mecca Terrace.
The court has ordered to disconnect the electricity, gas and water connections of Mecca Terrace. The court also directed the SBCA to seek the assistance of law enforcement agencies.
The written decision said that the court had given a clear order on November 10. Despite the clear order, the decision was not implemented. Eight out of 12 residents have not yet vacated their portions.
The court directed the SBCA to contact the utility service providers. The court ordered to disonnect electricity, gas and water supply of the building. The court ordered that the help of law enforcement agencies be sought if needed. The court has ordered to demolish the illegal structures and submit an implementation report by January 12.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2021.
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