LHC directs fine for restaurants violating closing deadlines

Move is part of court's efforts to address smog issue

LAHORE:

Lahore High Court's (LHC) Justice Shahid Karim has issued directions to impose fines of Rs. 50,000 on cafés and restaurants failing to adhere to stipulated closing times. Justice Karim emphasized the need for strict enforcement to ensure compliance with the designated deadlines.

In addition to the fine imposition, Justice Karim has requested a comprehensive report from authorities by December 11 regarding the anticipated completion dates of ongoing road projects. This move is part of the court's broader efforts to address issues related to smog control, environmental cleanliness, and preservation of groundwater resources.

During earlier proceedings, Justice Karim had set operational hours for cafés and restaurants, instructing them to close by 10 pm on regular days and 11 pm on weekends.'

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In previous directives, Justice Karim had called for a halt on de-sealing factories responsible for emitting smoke and contributing to a polluted atmosphere. He also ordered fines of Rs. 5,000 for wrong parking, Rs. 3,000 for car washing at homes, and Rs. 3,000 for vehicles emitting excessive smoke.

Moreover, Justice Karim mandated the demolition of brick kilns causing pollution through smoke. A Rs2,000 on-the-spot fine was imposed for one-way driving violations. Notably, the court increased the fine for individuals involved in stubble burning cases from Rs50,000 to Rs200,000.

Justice Karim highlighted that the registration of FIRs alone would not suffice to curb stubble burning, emphasizing the need for a smog emergency and pre-emptive measures by the Punjab government to address the worsening smog conditions.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2023.