Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that courts cannot order the blocking of a CNIC in family court decree cases. The decision has been described as an important legal precedent and reinforces the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
The verdict was issued by Justice Muzzamil Akhtar Shabbir while hearing a petition filed by Nasir Ali Ranjha. The court declared that the order to block the petitioner’s CNIC was unlawful and directed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to restore it immediately.
In its detailed eight-page judgment, the Lahore High Court stated that a Computerized National Identity Card is a basic legal document for every citizen. The court observed that the law does not allow authorities to block a CNIC under Section 51(e) of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) in family court decree cases.
According to the judgment, blocking a national identity card affects a person’s fundamental rights. The court noted that a citizen depends on a CNIC for many essential services, including banking, employment, travel, education, healthcare, and government-related matters. Restricting access to this document can create serious difficulties in daily life.
The court further explained that no legal provision permits the blocking of a national identity card as a method of enforcing family court decrees. It emphasized that courts must act within the limits of the law and cannot impose restrictions that are not supported by existing legislation.
As part of its ruling, the Lahore High Court declared the earlier order to block the petitioner’s CNIC as null and void. It also instructed NADRA to restore the identity card without delay so that the petitioner could regain full access to essential public services.
Legal experts believe the judgment could influence similar cases in the future. Since the ruling has been described as a judicial precedent, it may provide guidance to lower courts when deciding matters involving identity documents and the enforcement of family court orders.
The decision also highlights the importance of balancing legal enforcement with constitutional rights. While courts have the authority to ensure compliance with their orders, the judgment makes it clear that such powers must be exercised within the framework of the law.
In other news read more about: KP Launches Free Public Wi-Fi Project Across Peshawar
The Lahore High Court’s ruling confirms that a CNIC is a fundamental identity document that cannot be blocked in family decree cases unless a specific law allows such action. The judgment is expected to strengthen legal protections for citizens and provide greater clarity on the limits of judicial authority in similar disputes.
