IHC suspends notification for reduction in roti prices

Counsel questions authority of controller general.

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended on Thursday the district administration's notification for the reduction in roti prices in the federal capital till the next scheduled hearing on May 6.

During the hearing of a petition 

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The decision came during the hearing of a petition, submitted by the president of the Nanbai Welfare Association, presided over by Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri 

The counsel representing the association disputed the controller general's authority under Section III and highlighted the high costs and rents paid by bread makers. 

In response, Justice Jahangiri questioned whether authorities consulted with naanbais regarding flour prices, suggesting actions might be motivated by other factors.

Last week, a dispute arose between the district administration and naanbais over the enforcement of reduced prices of naans in twin cities. Pakistan Naanbai Association opposed the reduction and announced a Rs.5 hike instead, leading to a strike in Punjab.