HYDERABAD, Nov 18: A division bench of the Sindh High Court, Hyderabad circuit bench, has ordered that status quo be maintained on the Ladies Club issue. The court issued notices to Evacuee Trust Propoerty chairman, administrator, deputy administrator, Market police station SHO, additional advocate general and deputy attorney general, to file their comments.

The bench comprised Justice Mohammad Moosa K. Leghari and Justice Shamsuddin Hisbani.

The bench passed the order on a constitutional petition filed by Advocate Jhamatmal Jethanand on behalf of general secretary of the Ladies Club Dr Khurshid Memon.

The petitioner prayed before the court to declare the action of the SHO, of entering the club, removing staff, breaking the locks of the gates and putting their own locks as illegal.

Dr Memon also requested the court to restrain the respondents from interfering with her.

The petition was filed after ETP administrator cancelled tenancy of the club and sealed its premises with the assistance of the Market police on October 12.

The administrator claimed that the club was being used for commercial purposes by the management of the club, which was in violation of the tenancy agreement.

The club was supposed to be used for women’s welfare, cultural and social activities according to the agreement. The high court fixed the case for hearing on December 1.