PHOTO: NDTV
The Punjab government challenged the order before the Supreme Court, pleading the top court to set it aside.
On April 6, a single bench of the LHC ordered to release Lakhvi after suspending detention orders issued by DCO Okara issued under three maintenance of public orders (MPO).
Read: ATC directed to conclude Lakhvi’s trial within 2 months
The Punjab government appealed that the LHC ordered to release Lakhvi without realising the sensitivity of the secret information presented against him in court. The appeal said that Lakhvi's release would affect the trial since it may influence the statements that the prosecution’s witnesses planned to record against him. The appeal further stated that there may be further unrest in the country following Lakhvi's release.
Read: LHC orders Lakhvi’s release
Punjab government pleaded the apex court to declare the LHC order illegal and unconstitutional.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on April 13 had directed the anti-terrorism court (ATC) to wrap up the Lakhvi trial within two months and subsequently submit a report before the court.
Read: Govt told to produce ‘secret’ files on Lakhvi
Lakhvi has been under detention for over five years over allegations of his involvement in Mumbai attacks in 2008, which left 166 people dead.
Last month, the Punjab government detained Lakhvi before he could be released from jail after a court ordered his release.
Read: LHC seeks Punjab’s reply in Lakhvi’s case
He was granted bail by an anti-terror court in December, a move that infuriated New Delhi. Amid outrage over the possible release of the alleged terror mastermind, Pakistan quickly slapped him with a detention order under the “Maintenance of Public Order”.
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