LHC suspends theft case order against woman

Petitioner says in-laws sought criminal proceedings after she filed for khula

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has suspended an order directing police to register a theft case against a woman after her in-laws allegedly sought criminal proceedings against her over valuables reportedly missing from their house.

Justice Shireen Imran passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Ayesha Javed challenging a direction issued by the Gujranwala Justice of Peace.

The Justice of Peace had directed police to register a theft case against the woman following allegations that she had taken jewellery and cash from her in-laws' house.

During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel submitted that Ayesha had filed a suit for khula (dissolution of marriage) against her husband after the couple separated.

The counsel said the petitioner's in-laws subsequently approached the Justice of Peace, alleging that she had stolen jewellery and cash from their house and seeking registration of a criminal case against her.

He argued that the Justice of Peace had directed police to register the case without properly examining the facts and circumstances of the matter.

After hearing the initial arguments, Justice Shireen Imran suspended the impugned order and issued notices to the respondents, directing them to submit their replies by September 25.

The court will take up the matter again after receiving the respondents' replies.