SC warns CDA against inconveniencing citizens in name of security

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Court also tells civic authority to setup complaint cell for public issues

The Supreme Court (SC) while hearing a case regarding stopping illegal commercial activities in residential areas, and erection of encroachments and hurdles in name of security, has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to establish a complaint cell to address the issues faced by the citizens.

The court has also sought a reply from the CDA by February 27, 2015, on the matter. The focus being on how it was planning to curb illegal commercial activity in residential areas, and encroachments erected in front of embassies.

The court further said in its order that, “the complaint cell be set up and it be advertised properly so that people could ascertain information about it. CDA can sort out most of the problems on its own through this cell.”

Justice Jawwad S Khawaja remarked “CDA is the protector of the rights of citizens. It should evolve some foolproof methodology to address public complaints. There should be no difficulties or hurdles for citizens because of encroachments created in the name of security in residential areas. People are worried about these encroachments. Whosoever wills it goes ahead and erects these structures for security. It will be better if CDA devises some procedure to tackle this issue.”

A two-member bench of the SC took up the case on Tuesday.

Chairman CDA Maroof Afzal and his counsel S A Rehman appeared in court for the case proceedings. CDA also filed its report.

The court remarked that no details with reference to embassies have been recorded in the report.

S A Rehman said that he himself was not satisfied over the report and asked if he could be given more time so that he could file a detailed report for the court.

The court while putting off the hearing of the case till February 27, 2015, directed the CDA chairperson to file a detailed report on the matter.