LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) - A significant development has emerged in the case concerning the enforcement of the Property Ownership Ordinance, as the Lahore High Court (LHC) has constituted a three-member full bench under the leadership of Chief Justice Alia Neelum.
The bench is scheduled to hear the matter on February 23.
The case stems from over 200 petitions filed challenging the ordinance.
Petitioners claim that committees formed under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners have begun reclaiming land from citizens using paramilitary forces, a power that legally rests with the relevant tribunals.
Allegations also include that these committees are exceeding their legal authority and that the ordinance is being misused.
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During preliminary hearings, the LHC temporarily suspended the implementation of the ordinance and sought a response from the Punjab government, recommending the formation of a full bench to examine the matter thoroughly.
The three-member bench will include Chief Justice Alia Neelum, Justice Javed Zafar Zafar, and Justice Abhar Gul Khan.
Notices have been issued to the Punjab government and other relevant parties by the LHC registrar’s office, ensuring all stakeholders are informed ahead of the hearing.
The full bench will now review the petitions, examine alleged irregularities, and decide the future course regarding the enforcement of the Property Ownership Ordinance in Punjab.