IHC seeks proof of tenancy notification's authenticity in Irfan Siddiqui case.

Byline: Malik Asad

ISLAMABAD -- After the counsel for Irfan Siddiqui claimed that the notification cited in the arrest warrants of the former adviser to the prime minister was bogus, Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought proof from the district administration about its authenticity.

During the hearing of the petition seeking quashment of the First Information Report (FIR) registered against Irfan Siddiqui on Tuesday, Advocate Tanvir Iqbal pointed out that on May 17 the district administration had issued a notification under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code that made it mandatory for landlords to share details of the tenants with the police station concerned. After it lapsed on July 17, Advocate Iqbal said the district magistrate issued another notification on July 22.

He said under the law there was no provision for issuing the notification again without the prior approval of the interior ministry, adding that another legal requirement was to publish it in the official gazette which was also not followed in this case.

On the other hand, the prosecution informed the court that the challan of this case had been submitted to the trial court and the counsel for the accused could take the same plea during the trial.

Advocate Iqbal pointed out that the prosecution filed the challan with mala fide intent before the trial court a day earlier to the IHC's hearing. He said the prosecution was trying to dodge legal proceedings.

IHC Justice Aamer Farooq asked the defence counsel to explain as to why the high court would continue hearing the petition even after the...