SHC issues notices on Mujahid Colony residents’ petition
The Sindh High Court building. PHOTO: FILE
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the municipal secretary, DG KDA, KMC administrator, deputy commissioner central, director of slums (Kachi Abadis) and director of anti-encroachment on the petition filed by the Mujahid Colony residents against demolition of their houses.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the petition.
The petitioner's counsel took stand that the operation is being conducted in the name of anti-encroachment in Mujahid Colony and legal houses are also being demolished. The residents have the legal documents of the houses. Legal certificates were issued by the concerned departments. The concerned authorities should be directed to stop the operation and compensate the residents for the damages.
Illegal construction
The same bench heard the application related to illegal constructions within the limits of Jamshed Town.
The petitioner's counsel stated that illegal constructions are taking place within the limits of Jamshed Town. The contractor Junaid is involved in violation of building by laws and SBCA is not taking any action against the illegal constructions.
The court while seeking reply from SBCA directed Director Jamshed Town to appear in person in 15 days.
LG polls in Karachi, Hyderabad
The Sindh High Court heard the pleas of Jamaat-e-Islami and PTI regarding delay in holding local body elections in Karachi and Hyderabad.
The court ordered the DG Rangers and IG Sindh Police to submit a report on number of jawans deputed in the province as soon as possible.
Chief Justice Ahmad Ali Sheikh questioned, "What police and Rangers personnel are doing for the relief of flood victims, name the villages where their jawans are stationed, and what duties are assigned to them?" Justice Yousaf Ali Syed asked why the local body elections are being postponed again and again?
The Election Commission lawyer submitted that the meeting could not be held yesterday due to the holiday.
The Chief Justice remarked that Election Commission is not a school, what happened if it was a holiday? The meeting could be held; he remarked.
The court expressed indignation and said that it is enough, now you should conduct elections.
The Election Commission lawyer submitted that on the request of Sindh government, the police personnel are engaged in the relief operation in flood victims.
The court remarked that DG Rangers and IG Sindh should appear in person or depute a senior officer.
The Election Commission lawyer requested that the hearing date should be fixed after the Election Commission meeting.
The Chief Justice remarked that we have nothing to do with the meeting, elections should be held in Karachi and Hyderabad.
The court adjourned the hearing till November 14.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 11th, 2022.