SHC seeks technical report from SBCA on building

Court also expresses anger over the issuance of lease of the amenity plot

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the SBCA to submit a technical report on the owner's request about demolition of a dilapidated building in Ranchor Line area which was declared dangerous and unfit for residence.

A bench headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the plea of owner Zainul Abidin and others to demolish the building.

The petitioner's counsel argued that the SBCA had declared the building dilapidated in 2009. "We want the SBCA to demolish the building. Some people are still living there. The SBCA is not taking action. If the building collapses and there are casualties, the blame will be put on us. The SBCA should be directed to demolish the building," the counsel argued.

Justice Rizvi remarked, "Does SBCA not have funds to demolish the building? Will you take the help of any NGO for carrying out this work?"

The court directed the SBCA to submit a technical report.

Illegal construction on school ground

SHC on a petition against illegal constructions on the land of German School in Orangi Town, directed the KMC director to demolish the constructions and submit an affidavit.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the petition.

The petitioner's counsel argued that the lease of welfare plots could not be issued to any individual. "The school in Orangi Town had been running for a long time under the name of German School. Farrukh Dar and others' claim of ownership of land is not correct," the counsel contended.

The respondent's counsel argued that the lease of the land had been issued to them, therefore, permission may be given for construction.

The court expressed anger over the issuance of lease of the amenity plot.

Justice Rizvi remarked, "Who are you who has been given the lease of a welfare plot? Welfare plots cannot be given for residential or commercial purposes."

The court was annoyed that the illegal constructions were not completely eradicated. The court directed KMC director to complete the proceedings and submit an affidavit. The court also ordered to demolish the structures and submit a report.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2022.