LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday sought replies from the deputy commissioner and others on a petition questioning non-implementation of a 2023 order related to the Aurat March and seeking contempt proceedings against the authorities.

The petition filed by Aurat March organisers, including Khawar Mumtza, Leena Ghani, Neelam Hussain and Fatima Jan, submitted that an application to hold the event on Feb 12 this year was not being processed in light of the 2023 order passed by the court.

It said the respondent authorities have been employing delaying tactics and not following the procedure previously adopted in compliance with the court order of 2023.

It argued that participating in the Aurat March is a fundamental right of every citizen.

On behalf of the Punjab government, Assistant Advocate General Usman Khan opposed the petition, stating that there had been no violation of court orders.

He argued that the request for permission for the Aurat March was rejected in 2023, but the current application was still pending a decision.

Therefore, he said there was no question of contempt of court.

After hearing the arguments, Justice Anwaar Hussain sought replies from DC Syed Musa Raza, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran and Chief Traffic Officer Azhar Waheed by Feb 3.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2025