LAHORE, Nov 10: The Lahore High Court on Monday directed the Punjab Assembly speaker to resolve the controversy over appointment of assembly secretary according to law within a month.

Petitioner Mohammad Khan Bhatti said Masood Ahmad Malik, who was junior to him, was made secretary while he was on leave.

The speaker, who is the appointing authority, informed the court that Bhatti availed a long leave on March 12, 2008, soon after assuming the charge of secretary on March 8, 2008, and he would remain on leave till March 10, 2009.

The post could not lie vacant as the secretary was responsible for smooth running of the affairs of assembly on a regular basis.

The speaker said assembly rules suggested that the post of secretary was not meant to be filled through promotion rather by appointment of a suitable person in the designated posts having capacity and competence.

While Bhatti had himself stated that he was appointed to the post of secretary and not promoted, therefore, appointment through posting/transfer did not create a vested right in favour of the petitioner.

The speaker pointed out that Bhatti assumed charge of special secretary on March 16, 2007, and 16 days later went on deputation.

The speaker also denied petitioner’s assertion that his demotion and Malik’s appointment both were politically motivated, saying he made the move six months after assuming the office of speaker. And Malik had a vast experience of 32 years in the assembly secretariat.

Additional Advocate General Muhammad Hanif Khatana pointed out that Bhatti was not eligible for the post as he could not read or speak English. At this, Bhatti’s counsel said the matter should be decided according to rules and regulations.

The court after hearing both sides disposed of the petition with directives to the speaker.