The Lahore High Court on Monday set aside all orders from the Wafaqi Mohtasib (WM) issued in his absence after October 26, 2010 because of doubts that some orders were passed by a consultant using fake signatures.
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah passed the order on three identical petitions seeking implementation of WM orders against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL).
Earlier, the SNGPL’s counsel Umar Sharif submitted that the WM orders were passed actually by the consultant as the office was vacant since October 26, 2010.
He contended the law did not permit WM consultants to pass decisions in absence of the WM, therefore, all such orders be set aside.
The WM secretary also apprised the court regarding legal aspects of the issue.
However, the court agreeing with the arguments of the SNGPL’s counsel set aside all orders of Wafaqi Mohtasib since October 26, 2010 and adjourned the matter till November 15.
The identical petitions were filed by the Capital Steel, M/S Hussain Autos & CNG and Sheikh Khalid Mehmood wherein they impleaded SNGPL.
The petitioners submitted in their petitions that they were customers of SNGPL and received bills worth of millions more than their average bill while no notice of detection bill was served to them. The petitioners submitted that they moved applications to Wafaqi Mohtasib where upon orders were issued directing petitioners to deposit 40% of total gas bill for restoration of gas connection.
They submitted that despite depositing said amount, the officials concerned refused to restore connections. They pleaded the court that directions be issued for restoration of gas connections.
