KARACHI, Nov 21: The Sindh High Court summoned on Monday revenue officials of the provincial and city governments to explain how hundreds of acres of state land was allegedly transferred to private owners Over 26 owners sought a declaration from the court that they were rightful owners in possession of the land comprised in survey numbers 253, 254, 255, 256, 258,383,384,385 and 386, Deh Sanhroo, Tapo Landhi, district Karachi. They requested the court to restrain the provincial and city government officials from interfering with their peaceful possession and utilization of the land.
Contesting the suit on the provincial government’s behalf, Additional Advocate-General M. Ahmed Pirzada produced a mukhtiarkar of Bin Qasim Town together with record. The official informed Justice Amir Hani Muslim, who is hearing the suit, that the copies of the documents annexed to the plaint did not exist on the revenue record.
According to the record, the official submitted, the land claimed by the plaintiffs was state or ‘qabuli’ land and had neither been allotted nor leased out.
The court took a serious view of the matter and gave the AAG a week’s time to submit a detailed reply. Revenue officials were asked to explain their position in respect of the transfer documents produced by the plaintiffs. The hearing was adjourned to Nov 28.
DEFAMATION: The high court has jurisdiction to hear a defamation case if the damages sought exceed Rs 3 million, Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali ruled on Monday.
Overruling an objection raised by the SHC office and the defendant, the judge observed that the defamation suit instituted by former Saddar Town nazim Farooq Faria was maintainable.
Mr Faria has filed the case against Siddiq Balwani through Advocate Saify Ali Khan for defaming him in press statements, advertisements and pamphlets. He said had been falsely and maliciously accused of pilfering public funds and the defendant should pay him Rs 100 million in liquidated damages for the loss of reputation and mental torture caused to him.
The office and the defendant raised the objection that defamation suits could only be filed in the district judge’s court under the Defamation Ordinance of 2002. Advocate Saify argued that the suit was maintainable as the ordinance did not affect pecuniary jurisdiction of the court.
BAIL DISMISSED: The Sindh High Court on Monday dismissed a bail application filed by a woman in a prostitution case, adds PPI.
Ms Bilquis, with others, is facing charges before the trial court, and she sought her release on bail after rejection of the plea by the trial court.
State counsel Kumail Sherazi opposed the bail application submitting that the accused was involved in a nefarious offence, which is crime against the society.
SHC’s single bench, comprising Justice Munib Ahmed Khan, after hearing the case observed that the accused is not only involved in prostitution, but also dragging innocent girls into the prostitution.
Dismissing the bail application, the court also gave direction to investigation officer of the case to submit complete charge-sheet against the accused before the trial court.
Meanwhile, the same court also dismissed bail application of a man in a robbery case.
Mohammad Saeed was arrested by the police after robbery at his mobile phone shop in Shah Latif Town on Feb 2, 2002.