The Lahore High Court (LHC) has declined to issue stay order against holding of Basant festival in Lahore, and put off proceedings in two identical petitions till February 5. The petitioners Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi and M.D. Tahir had approached the court against decision of the government to celebrate Basant festival in Lahore on February 6. Earlier, petitioner M.D. Tahir contended before the court that under Section 188 of PPC, kite flying is prohibited and the respondent government announced the celebration of Basant festival in gross violation of the law and constitution. The counsel of Imtiaz Rashid also submitted his submissions before the court.

The court, however, rejected the prayer for issuance of stay order and adjourned the proceedings till next date of hearing.

NOTICE ISSUED TO SBP: The LHC has issued notice to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in a petition against withdrawal of Re5 currency notes.

The petitioner, a senior member, Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), M.D. Tahir contended that due to action of the respondent SBP, the people of Pakistan are facing hardships. He, therefore, prayed to the court to declare the decision of the respondent bank as illegal, unconstitutional and without lawful authority. The court, after hearing the petitioner at length, issued notice to the respondent bank and called for reply.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005