SHC orders demolition of illegal portions

Also directs the DG to submit an implementation report at the next hearing

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on a petition against the construction of illegal portions in Block J, North Nazimabad directed the SBCA to demolish the structures and submit a report within 45 days.

The SHC heard a petition against construction of illegal portions in Block J, North Nazimabad. The petitioner's counsel contended that portions are being constructed on residential plot by Galaxy Builders. A complaint was submitted in the SBCA but no action was taken. Legal notice was also served but construction is going on.

The court ordered immediate halt to the construction of portions. The court also directed DG SBCA to take immediate action on Plot No. A-483. The court also barred the sub-registrar from registering sub-leases and provision of electricity and water connections to the portions. The court issued notices to SBCA DG and the builder. The court also directed the DG to submit an implementation report at the next hearing.

The court ordered the SBCA to demolish the structures and submit a report within 45 days. NGO’s audit report sought The Sindh High Court has directed the NGO, which had filed a petition against the illegal constructions, to submit an audit report and complete record at the next hearing. Giving an observation, the court said that without audit report and complete record, the cases of NGOs would not be heard.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the petition of the NGO regarding illegal constructions. Justice Azhar Rizvi in an exchange of words with the representative of the NGO - Check and Watch Environmental - remarked, "Who are you? An MNA, an MPA or a counselor? Why should the court listen to your case, give arguments.

Where is the audit report and record of expertise?" The NGO's representative argued that the constitution allowed him to file a petition. The court directed the representative to give arguments under which law he should be heard at the next date of hearing.