ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered maintaining status quo on an appeal moved by the Monal Group of Companies against Jan 11 Islamabad High Court judgment of sealing and taking over possession of the Monal Restaurant, situated at the picturesque Margalla Hills.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Ijazul Ahsan which had taken up the appeal however ignored the request to grant stay against the high court order with an observation that the court cannot undo the IHC order at this stage.

While postponing further proceedings for the next week, the court also issued notices to the federal government as well as other respondents including Capital Development Authority (CDA), Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad, Remount Veterinary and Farms (RVF) Directorate through Secretary Defence and Director General RVF General Headquarters (GHQ).

Represented by senior counsel Makhdoom Ali Khan, the petition pleaded before the court that the high court while exercising suo motu powers had ordered the CDA chairman and the Islamabad Wild Life Management Board (IWMB) to take over the possession of the Monal Restaurant and seal the premises when none of the parties had sought such a direction and thus seriously prejudicing the fundamental rights of the petitioner.

The petition moved by the petitioner contended that the Monal Group of Companies employed 650 employees and as a result of the high court order, the employees and their families were suffering.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...