The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday heard four petitions challenging decisions by deputy commissioners to remove possession of properties under the Ownership Law.
During the proceedings, the court suspended all orders issued by deputy commissioners related to property possession. This suspension will remain in effect until the full bench completes its review.
The petitions have now been referred to a full bench for adjudication. The LHC directed authorities to present the complete case record before the bench for thorough examination.
The court noted that deputy commissioners and commissioners do not have the authority to independently order the removal of property possession under the Ownership Law. Any action taken without proper judicial oversight may be considered invalid.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed concern over the LHC’s suspension of the Punjab Immovable Property Ordinance. She warned that the interim order could favor land grabbers while harming ordinary citizens.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Ownership Law was introduced to provide quick justice for people involved in property and land disputes. Many citizens have been waiting for years to resolve such issues.
“For the first time, a 90-day limit was set to decide land and property cases,” Maryam Nawaz said. She added that the law aimed to provide immediate relief to millions of affected citizens.
The Punjab government has emphasized that the Ownership Law is a crucial tool for protecting property rights and resolving disputes efficiently. Officials hope that once the full bench hears the petitions, the law’s implementation can continue without unnecessary delays.
Legal experts note that the LHC’s decision underscores the importance of judicial oversight in property disputes. It ensures that decisions under the Ownership Law are made transparently and fairly, protecting both citizens and legal processes.
As the petitions move forward, stakeholders are closely watching how the full bench interprets the law and the powers of administrative officials in enforcing property possession orders.
In other news read more about: LHC Suspends Punjab’s Property Ownership Ordinance
