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Govt’s comments sought on Sindh universities amendment bill
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday directed the provincial government to inform the court about the progress on the reforms made to improve the investigation process in rape cases, ordered by the Supreme Court, and the mechanism for its implementation.
A division bench was hearing a joint constitutional petition filed by three rape victims who had sought the court’s injunction for reforms in an investigation in the investigation of assault cases.
During the hearing, the Additional Advocate General (AAG) Shabbir Shah informed the judges that the reforms have been made under the guidelines given by the apex court.
The bench asked the AAG as to how reforms were made enacted. Directing the provincial authorities to furnish a report reflecting the implementation of such reforms within four weeks, the bench put off the hearing.
The Supreme Court had directed Sindh government to take measures for making an efficient investigation in the rape cases so as the culprits should be taken to task.
SINDH UNIVERSITIES AMENDMENT BILL:
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday sought comments from provincial authorities on a constitutional petition challenging the Sindh Universities and Institutes laws (Amendment) Bill 2018, the proposed bill empowering the chief minister to take administrative charge of the varsities throughout Sindh instead of the governor.
A division bench headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi took up the petition filed by Pasban-e-Pakistan President Altaf Shakoor who had moved the court against the proposed bill.
During the hearing, the provincial law officer raised objections on the petition, saying that as the bill was still not made an Act, hence, it cannot be challenged under Article 199 of the constitution. However, the petitioner’s counsel argued that it was a drafted bill and passed by the assembly, in violation of rules.
Putting off the matter till April 19, the court directed the provincial authorities to submit their comments by the next hearing.
