LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) – All courts across Punjab will remain open during Basant, following a clear decision by Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Justice Alia Neelum, to reject a proposal for court holidays on February 6 and 7.
Despite the Punjab government announcing a two-day public holiday across the province to mark Basant, no judicial holidays will be observed in the Lahore High Court or subordinate courts. Court proceedings will continue as per routine, with hearings taking place on both days.
According to official details, the Punjab government had issued a notification declaring February 6 and 7 as public holidays in connection with Basant celebrations. Following this announcement, the Lahore High Court administration forwarded a summary to Chief Justice Alia Neelum, proposing the closure of courts for the two days in line with the provincial holiday schedule.
However, the chief justice rejected the proposal, directing that all courts under the Lahore High Court’s jurisdiction remain operational. The decision ensures that judicial business will continue without interruption during the Basant holidays observed elsewhere in the province.
Punjab declares two-day public holiday
Officials confirmed that routine hearings will be conducted in the Lahore High Court, as well as in district and sessions courts across Punjab, on both February 6 and 7. Judges, court staff, lawyers, and litigants have been instructed to follow normal schedules, with no changes to cause lists or hearing dates.
Chief Justice Alia Neelum stated that cases will be heard as usual on the specified dates, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining continuity in legal proceedings despite public holidays declared by the provincial government.
The decision comes amid heightened administrative planning around Basant, with courts choosing to operate independently of the provincial holiday notification to avoid delays in judicial matters.