LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday sought personal appearance of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) chairman for non-submission of a reply in a petition challenging police’s jurisdiction to take action against oil traders.

Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh was hearing the petition when an assistant attorney general sought an adjournment for submission of the reply on behalf of the Ogra.

The judge expressed his displeasure and observed that numerous opportunities had been given to the Ogra and the petroleum division to file a reply but no one bothered to appear before the court.

The judge issued a notice to the Ogra chairman for personal appearance on March 9 to apprise the court of how Ogra could delegate its powers to be exercised by police.

Earlier, representing the petitioner Advocate Sheraz Zaka argued that police were conducting illegal raids on oil depots for allegedly selling adulterated petroleum products.

He submitted that it was not the jurisdiction of police but the power of Ogra to conduct sampling tests and take action against those oil depots allegedly involved in selling adulterated products. He asked the court to declare action being taken by the police illegal.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2022