Metro53 - Lahore (Web Desk): Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC), Justice Alia Neelum, issued strong remarks while addressing the Chief Secretary Punjab during the hearing of petitions challenging the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance, stating that judicial supremacy had been undermined and that if possible, even the Constitution would have been suspended.
The Lahore High Court heard multiple petitions, including those filed by Abida Parveen and others, against the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance. During the proceedings, the court suspended the implementation of the ordinance, ordered the return of possessions taken under it, and directed petitioners to remove objections, recommending the formation of a full bench for further hearing.
Following court orders, the Chief Secretary Punjab appeared before the court. Justice Alia Neelum remarked that the government should be informed that if this law remains in force, even Jati Umra could be vacated within half an hour.
The court questioned the absence of the Advocate General Punjab. The government lawyer responded that the Advocate General was unwell. In response, the Chief Justice remarked that she herself had been advised bed rest due to illness but was still present in court.
Justice Alia Neelum questioned the Chief Secretary, asking whether he had even read the law, and remarked that it appeared some individuals wanted to be granted absolute authority. She asked why the law was enacted and what its actual purpose was.
The court further questioned how a revenue officer could hand over possession when a matter was already pending before a civil court.
The Chief Justice observed that the law had dismantled the civil setup and civil rights, reiterating that judicial supremacy had been eliminated. She stated that if a deputy commissioner were to hand over possession of the Chief Secretary’s own house to someone else, there would be no right of appeal under this law.
She further remarked that under the ordinance, even the High Court is barred from granting a stay, and that people are allegedly summoned through phone calls with threats of losing possession the same day.
Justice Alia Neelum also questioned whether fake registries and forged documents did not exist, noting that under the law, the complainant themselves becomes the petitioner, raising serious concerns about misuse.
