LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday summoned the deputy commissioner of the provincial metropolis and the superintendent of police (security) on a petition against the denial of a permission to hold the “Aurat March”.

Justice Anwaar Hussain heard a joint petition filed by rights activists Khawar Mumtaz, Leena Ghani and Hiba Akbar.

Advocate Asad Jamal and Lahore High Court Bar Association Secretary Sabahat Rizvi appeared on behalf of the petitioners.

The counsel stated the DC dismissed an application of the petitioners and prohibited them along with thousands of women from holding a lawful and peaceful Aurat March on the International Women’s Day falling on March 8.

He argued that the impugned order of the DC was an arbitrary and colourable exercise of power and in clear violation of the fundamental rights of the citizens guaranteed in the Constitution. He said the fundamental right of lawful assembly of the petitioners could not be denied unless it infringed upon the other citizens’ right.

The counsel asked the court to set aside the order of the DC for being arbitrary, discriminatory and ultra vires to the various articles of the Constitution.

Justice Hussain directed the DC and the SP security to appear in person on Tuesday (today).

Earlier, Justice Muzamil Akhtar Shabbir recused himself from the petition for personal reasons and requested the chief justice to fix it before any other judge.

Later, the chief justice fixed the hearing of the petition before Justice Hussain.

DC Rafia Haider had rejected the permission to organise the Aurat March on the grounds of security concerns, ‘controversial’ cards and banners supporting women’s rights, and the likelihood of clashes with members of JI’s ‘Haya March’.

The Aurat March organising committee had requested an NOC from the district administration to hold a rally on March 8 at Nasser Bagh followed by a march around the perimeter of the park.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2023