By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Monday issued an interim order suspending the enforcement of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, which authorises deputy commissioner-led committees to adjudicate property disputes.
The chief justice passed the order while hearing petitions filed by Abida Parveen and others, who challenged actions taken under the ordinance. Along with suspending the law’s operation, the court also stayed decisions made under it to dispossess individuals of their properties.
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During the proceedings, Justice Neelum expressed serious concern over the scope of the ordinance, remarking that if the law remained in force, even Jati Umra, the Sharif family residence, could be vacated within half an hour. She questioned how a revenue officer could hand over possession of a property that was already the subject of proceedings before a civil court.
Observing that the ordinance undermined the civil justice system, civil rights and judicial authority, the chief justice said the law effectively dismantled the existing civil setup. She further noted that the legislation did not provide the affected person with a right of appeal and even restricted the high court’s power to grant a stay.
Punjab Chief Secretary and other government officials were present in court, while the Punjab advocate general did not appear, citing illness. Responding to this, Justice Neelum remarked that she herself was unwell and advised bed rest, yet was presiding over the court.
The chief justice announced that a full bench would be constituted to hear the matter further and adjourned the proceedings.
Separately, a Punjab law officer said the provincial government could challenge the interim order before the Supreme Court or approach the Federal Constitutional Court, as the case involved important questions of law. The government may also request the proposed full bench to review the stay order, though chances of relief through that route were described as limited.
The ordinance, approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on October 31, mandates the resolution of land disputes within 90 days. During an earlier hearing, Justice Neelum had also raised concerns over the role of a newly created force under the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority and questioned the authority of revenue officials to act as adjudicators in matters pending before superior courts.
