Courts to fast-track land grab cases

Special tribunals required to decide disputes in 30 days under new legal framework

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab government has formally activated Special Criminal Tribunals across the province to ensure the swift disposal of cases involving the illegal occupation of residential, commercial and agricultural properties, with particular emphasis on protecting widows, orphaned children and other vulnerable members of society.

The newly established tribunals have become operational in 36 districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi Division, following the issuance of official notifications appointing Additional District and Sessions Judges to preside over the courts.

Under the new mechanism, one Special Criminal Tribunal has been established in each district, supported by dedicated administrative staff to expedite proceedings involving unlawful occupation of property.

According to the notified procedure, the tribunals are required to decide cases within 30 days, while unnecessary adjournments will not be granted to the accused, with the aim of ensuring the prompt resolution of disputes.

The government has also issued comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing the filing and processing of complaints before the tribunals.

Under the prescribed procedure, complainants must first submit an indexed file containing page numbering and a complete list of supporting documents.

The complaint must include full particulars of the property together with documentary evidence of ownership, including the registered sale deed, mutation record or transfer documents, as applicable.

Applicants are also required to provide details of the relevant police station, along with the full names, residential addresses and identification particulars of all respondents to facilitate the proper service of notices. Details of two witnesses must also accompany the complaint.

The SOPs further require the submission of two sworn affidavits. One must confirm that no proceedings relating to the property are pending before any other court. Where litigation is already under way, the complainant must disclose complete particulars of the case and attach certified copies of the relevant court record.

Once the application has been submitted, the Registrar is required to forward the case within three days to the District Scrutiny Committee.

The committee comprises the DC, DPO, AC, the SHO concerned, the relevant Revenue Officer and a representative of the appropriate government agency.