Ban on rallies: ‘Can a chief minister lead a protest?’
An additional advocate general has been asked to submit his arguments regarding whether the chief minister, being chief executive of the province, can lead or participate in a protest rally.
Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed passed the order while hearing two identical petitions seeking a ban on rallies and installation of banners and billboards by PML-N, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and PPP.
During the hearing, the additional advocate general told the court that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was not using state machinery for the party’s rally on October 28 (today). He maintained that PML-N had no plans of using state machinery for political purposes in the future either.
Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, during the hearing, also remarked that no political party – whether the PML-N or PPP – should use government resources for their rallies.
The law officer informed the court that the Parks and Horticulture Authority did not charge any fee for putting up banners or billboards relating to public awareness and welfare. Banners put up by political parties on The Mall fall into that category, the court was told. The officer said that allegations that the PHA favoured the PML-N or any other party were baseless. At this, Justice Saeed sought a written reply from PHA director general and also directed him to produce PHA rules in court.
The judge adjourned hearing of the petitions for two weeks. Petitioners submitted that the rallies were being held in the ongoing week and that the petitions would become ineffective after two weeks. The judge, however, observed that there would be more rallies in future.
One of the petitions was submitted by the Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) president Rana Azeem. He has prayed to the court to order the removal of political banners and billboards from The Mall and impose a ban on their rallies in the city.
The second petition, filed by Advocate Abdul Hameed Rana, sought a ban on PML-N’s rally. He contended that government machinery was being used to make the rally a success.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2011.
COMMENTS (13)
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Chief minister speech informed to President 78% peopels of Pakistan dis like very soon PML N won this mach with collected parties IN SHAH ALLAHA that govt not obey Law its mean some things hiding behind
Failed CM Punjab leading a rally to cover up his own misdeeds.
I felt today is "Protest Weekend".These all politicans are playing dirty political games & creating chaos in in the city.Being part of the ruling governments, is the CM protesting against his own bad governance? Have they made Punjab into a shining example that the rest of the country can follow? If not, then please tell me what is PML-N protesting against.They always used the people for their own purposes.
When in Pakistan National Olympics there is only one game to play for that is rallie , dharnas ,jaloos and protests (thanks to dhana and co.which are J.I ,T. I and M.L.N etc) then every one can play it Let us wait for P P P to show their telent. After all we have to give gold medal to one of themI think PML (N) had complete powers as far as Punjab was concerned. I don't how they could be any different when the entire nation would be at their disposal. I think if they were capable of doing anything or bringing any significant change, we would have seen this in the past three years or in their previous tenures. Imran Khan is soo getting my vote. May Allah give him the opportunity and keep him steadfast to steer this nation out of its agony. Ameen
After bread comes the circus.
@Billoo Bhaya I agree that PML-N has every right to protest against their own corruption, but not at taxpayers money.
So what are PML-N protesting against again? They own the Punjab Govt., so they are protesting against themselves? Have they made Punjab into a shining example that the rest of the country can follow? If not, then please tell me what is PML-N protesting against.
Being part of the ruling governments, is the CM protesting against his own bad governance?
The Courts should stay out of this. Demonstrations are basic rights in a democracy. The right to make their opinion heard. The judges should be engaged in providing justice to millions of litigants who appear at their doorsteps for relief and are denied by these silly petitions. In the UK if any lawyer filed a petition such as this one, he would be fined with all costs for wasting the court's time. But in Pakistan they are the reason why time gets wasted in our courts.
The battle for Punjab is on now. PML(N) will lead off. PTI will follow after two days. For now the PPP shall observe.