ACE power challenged in land dispute probe

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has been approached to challenge the jurisdiction of the Anti-Corruption Establishment Punjab (ACE) to initiate inquiries into disputes related to property transfers and land mutations.

Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh heard the constitutional petition filed by citizen Shahid Mahmood Gujjar.

Advocate Mian Dawood appeared on behalf of the petitioner.

The court issued notices to the Director Anti-Corruption Punjab, the Chief Settlement Commissioner Punjab, and the provincial revenue department, seeking their replies within two weeks.

During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel argued that legal precedent already established by the Lahore High Court barred the Anti-Corruption Establishment from intervening in matters concerning property transfers and revenue mutations.

Despite these rulings, he contended, an inquiry had still been initiated against the petitioner in a land dispute case.

The counsel further argued that the opposing party had approached anti-corruption authorities only after exhausting legal remedies before the revenue authorities, suggesting that the inquiry was being used as a pressure tactic.