ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has said that it is imperative for Capital Development Authority (CDA) to implement a new policy about marriage halls and marquees.
Presiding over a three-member bench of Supreme Court (SC) during the course of hearing of a Suo Motu notice of illegal marriage halls and marquees in Islamabad on Monday, the CJP remarked that if any marriage hall or marquee is found illegal after the formulation of policy, then the CDA chairman will be responsible.
The CDA, while filing a report in the court about illegal marriage halls and marquees, said that 70 marriage halls/marquees were operational in Islamabad without approval by CDA.
The report stated that laws are not in place in Islamabad about marriage halls and marquees. CDA has worked out draft laws during the first meeting of the board in 2018.
The report also said that at least 2,000 square yards land has been fixed for marriage halls and one will be allowed to construct a maximum of two buildings. It added that marriage halls and marquees can cover a maximum of 50 per cent land and it is essential that fire and safety standards are met.
The report also said that the owners of marriage halls and marquees will have to meet the set standards within six months of the issuance of the notices.
Additional Attorney General told the court that CDA has evolved a policy where marriage hall owners will be required to make arrangements for parking and security. All the marriage halls will be required to get them regularised after the issuance of the notice.
Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that no mention is made about dumping the filth in the report.
The CJP remarked that when the filth will go down the ground, then underground water will become polluted.
He also ordered to ensure that all marriage halls are regulated within 6 months, and further asked that what will be the penalty if the marriage halls are not regulated within 6 months.
“CDA should convene the meeting again and include these changes in the policy. Following the formulation of policy, if any marriage hall or marquee is found in violation, then the CDA chairman will be held responsible for it,” said CJP Nisar.
The hearing of the case was adjourned till Tuesday.