May 26, 2007	Saturday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 09, 1428

LAHORE, May 25: The Lahore High Court on Friday sought reply from the Punjab government on a petition seeking direction to the provincial and city district governments for payment of Rs20 million to the mother of an orphan, Saddam, who was electrocuted by a metal wire used for kite flying.

Justice Mian Najamuzzaman directed the law officer to appear before the court on the next date of hearing after seeking instructions from the authorities. The court fixed the case along with the main petition for a complete ban on kite-flying activities.

Senior lawyer MD Tahir, who moved the application before the court, requested that the Punjab government and the CDGL be directed to take strict action against manufacturers of kite and string.

He alleged the authorities had failed in controlling the practice which was visible on Sundays and other holidays. He said the manufacturing of kite string was going on in the open, but the law enforcing agencies could not follow the superior courts direction to curb it.

He stated that the apex court had imposed a ban on kite flying in public interest, but the Punjab and city governments role was very disgusting.

He said despite a ban, 15-year-old Saddam lost his life while Manahil, 6, was seriously injured by kite strings in recent days, which showed government’s failure to protect the lives of ordinary human being.

He also requested the court to initiate criminal proceedings against the responsible authorities.

Bail granted: The Lahore High Court on Friday observed that police were patronising gambling dens and brothels, which could not be operated without their protection.

The court observed this while granting bail to the six accused, including a Canadian national, who were arrested from a guesthouse in Gulberg on charges of selling liquor. The police had also arrested many women from the guesthouse on Hudood charges.

The court released Canadian national Sarmad Chaudhry, Ehsan Elahi, Adnan Elahi, Mital Tariq, Noman and Asim and directed to furnish bail bonds of Rs10,000 each.