Ban on banners on govt properties ignored
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has summoned the relevant authorities today (Wednesday) on a petition related to putting up political banners, posters and advertisements at public places and on government properties, particularly the electric poles, power pylons, and government buildings like school, hospital, post office and such.
Heading a two-member bench Justice Nadeem Akhtar remarked that it seems that the Election Commission has only sent the court order to the authorities concerned.
Abdullah Hanjra, the counsel for the Election Commission, stated that the commission has ordered all institutions to remove all banners.
The court inquired what action was taken against the political leaders and candidates. Has any notice or show cause been served?
Justice Nadeem Akhtar remarked that you know that no political banners and slogans are acceptable on government property. The court expressed ire at the Election Commission and said that what are you waiting for, should the court issue you a show cause notice? Justice Nadeem Akhtar remarked that it seems from your report that we live in a very civilized society but the ground realities are completely opposite.
Expressing anger, the court remarked that do you think you should proceed with contempt of court now? The lawyer of the Election Commission stated that action will be taken if given a chance. The court said in the remarks that what will be done now, the campaign is ending and these banners will remain up for six months.
Justice Nadeem Akhtar remarked that after seeing the response of the Election Commission, it seems that only the court order has been delivered. The Election Commission lawyer stated that we had asked all the seven DMOs to take down the banners wherever they are. The court inquired who has been disqualified and how many notices have been issued to political parties. The court had banned putting up political banners on public property.
Election Commission counsel stated that no show-cause notice has been issued to any political party yet. The court said in its remarks that everything is good in the Election Commission’s report. Why is the Election Commission’s report not based on facts? Justice Nadeem Akhtar inquired what action was taken for violation of court orders.
The lawyer of the Election Commission stated that they should give some time. Justice Nadeem Akhtar remarked that the election campaign will end today and the political banners will remain on display for the next six months.
The court inquired to show an FIR against someone. The public prosecutor submitted that not a single FIR has been registered. Justice Nadeem Akhtar remarked that we know that DCs are busy in elections, calling all DCs tomorrow in person. The public prosecutor stated that we are asking for reports. Justice Nadeem Akhtar said in his remarks that you do not know that the court orders are being violated. The court adjourned the further hearing of the case till today (Wednesday).
In a separate case, SHC upheld the injunction while adjourning the petition against the repeated shutdown and interruptions of internet service across the country owing to the absence of the PTA lawyer.
A two-member bench led by Chief Justice Sindh High Court, Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi, heard the petition.
The Chief Justice expressed his indignation and remarked, it seems that it will be fine after the election.
The hearing was postponed till February 21 due to PTA’s lawyer’s unavailability. The court upheld the injunction to restore uninterrupted internet service across the country.
An independent candidate from PS-110 had filed a petition against the frequent interruptions and shutdowns of internet service.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th 2024.