Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial Friday, adjourning hearing of a petition against load shedding, sought a report from the federal government by August 7.
The chief justice passed the orders on a petition filed by Judicial Activism Panel. As proceedings started, Ministry of Water and Power Joint Secretary (Development) Syed Tanvir Hussain Bukhari appeared in the court to explain the transfer of the LESCO CEO. He said that there were complaints against the officer but he had no details of the complaints.
The chief justice was informed that the court had already declared that a summary of removal from office was not justified except on compelling grounds. The chief justice then allowed the secretary to place material in relation to the transfer on record.
At this stage, the chief justice observed that a government servant had a right to be treated in accordance with law because an arbitrary treatment demoralises the service cadre.
“Institutions can prosper and deliver with secure service personnel and management. The concentration of managerial authority in a single individual or small cell at the top of the hierarchy remote from field can lead to adverse results,” the chief justice added.
He said it was incumbent the federal government follow the principles laid down in Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance) Rules, 2013. The court sought a report from the government on the points on the next date of hearing.
The chief justice asked the government to submit policy guidelines issued to DISCOs for improving the power distribution system.
LHC TAKES NOTICE OF ACID ATTACK: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday took notice of the news published in a section of press that a man threw acid on his wife in Khanpur.
Rahim Yar Khan District & Sessions judge has been directed to probe the matter and submit a detailed report regarding steps taken by the local police along with his own comments.
According to details, Nosheen, resident of Mohallah Azeem Shah, was living with her parents after differences with her husband Shehzad.
Shehzad came to his in-laws and threw acid on Nosheen which badly affected her face. She was shifted to Shaikh Zayed Hospital in a critical condition.
Ghulam Yasin, victim’s father, alleged that Shehzad often used to torture his daughter.
HAJ QUOTA CASE ADJOURNED: Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial Friday adjourned hearing of the Haj quota case until August 1 after a law officer sought time for compliance of court orders.
The chief justice was hearing the petition filed by Travel Shop, a tour operator, and others.
Earlier, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Abdul Hai Gillani appeared before the court and submitted that all necessary documents were completed to allot Haj quota to Haj group organisers (HGOs) who offered inexpensive Haj package, as per court orders.
However, he said, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) had set aside the ministry’s letter of June 27 of public auction of 910 Haji quota. It was decided to approach the PHC for early hearing of the matter and it would be heard on July 29, he added.
The AAG further said that if the PHC recalled or modified its order then the ministry would issue documents to respective HGOs on next day.
However, the petitioner’s counsel opposed the request for time as the PHC proceedings have no link with this matter. However, the chief justice accepted the AAG request and adjourned the matter until August 1.