‘Inconvenient’ delay: Chief justice admonishes ODGCL lawyer

ODGCL lawyer Mehmood Khan says department had imposed a premium tax but had offered concessions to companies.

LAHORE:

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Monday admonished an Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (ODGCL) lawyer for suggesting the court was delaying a ruling on some cases.

The chief justice was hearing a case against imposition of premium tax on liquefied petroleum gas.

“Don’t blame the court for the inefficiency of ODGCL officials,” the chief justice said. “The case is pending due to their policies.”

ODGCL lawyer Mehmood Khan said department had imposed a premium tax but had offered concessions to companies.

He said some cases pending before the court hindered the department’s work.

The court directed the registrar’s office to consolidate all cases and contempt petitions pertaining to premium tax and adjourned hearing till April 6.  LPG companies had challenged the premium tax, saying its collection was illegal.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2014.