SHC asks PSP to file fresh petition against LG law
Nine judges will be appointed for Sindh High Court (SHC) and three each for Balochistan High Court (BHC) and Islamabad High Court (IHC), sources said. PHOTO: FILE
The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed the Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) to file a fresh petition against the recent amendments in the Local Government Act in the light of the decision of the Supreme Court.
A bench headed by Justice Yousuf Ali Saeed heard the PSP's petition. Petitioner's counsel advocate Hassan Sabir argued that powers should be transferred to local bodies under Article 140-A of the Constitution.
The court remarked, "Your petition has also been accepted in the recent decision of the Supreme Court. You may file a fresh petition in the light of the remarks of the Supreme Court."
The PSP had challenged the amendments in the Sindh Local Government Act 2013.
Notices issued
The Sindh High Court issued notices to the Deputy Attorney General and others on the petition of KDA DG Asif Memon against FIA and other agencies and restrained the agencies from taking action against the petitioner.
The SHC heard a petition against the arrest of KDA DG Asif Memon and secret inquiry against him. The court restrained the police and other agencies from taking action against Asif Memon.
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The court issued notices to the Deputy Attorney General and other agencies seeking a record of pending inquiries and cases against Memon. The court sought answers from FIA, anti-corruption, NAB and others.
In the petition, KDA DG Asif Memon argued that FIA, anti-corruption and other agencies were harassing him. It is feared that he will be arrested in a secret inquiry or trial.
Contempt of court petition
The Sindh High Court on a contempt of court petition regarding non-issuance of allotment order for buffalo enclosures in Surjani Town, directed the KDA authorities to issue allotment letters within 45 days.
A two-judge bench headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the contempt of court petition. KDA officers and lawyers appeared in court. The court remarked, "Is it necessary to issue an arrest warrant to summon the officers?" Justice Rizvi remarked that KDA officers do not come without a warrant. "Tell me, what progress has been made?" Justice Rizvi remarked.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2022.