SC rejects plea to suspend SHC verdict on action against sugar mills.

Byline: SHAHID RAO

ISLAMABAD -- The Supreme Court Thursday rejected Attorney General for Pakistan's request to suspend the Sindh High Court judgment restraining the federal government from taking action against sugar mill owners in the light of the recommendations of the Sugar Inquiry Commission.

A two-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan conducted hearing of the federation's appeal against the SHC judgment. Now a three-member bench would hear the government's plea from July 14.

The SHC on June 23 had issued a stay order restraining the federal government from taking action against sugar mills in the light of the Sugar Inquiry Commission's recommendations. The government had asked the apex court to declare the SHC order as 'null and void'.

During the hearing, Makhdoom Ali Khan representing the sugar mills adopted that if the report makes allegations and give findings then it damages the reputation of his clients. He contended that the government cannot do anything in disregarding of the individuals.

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Justice Ijazul Ahsan said that the report has been prepared by the experts and placed certain facts before the government. He added that there was hue and cry in the country over the rise of sugar price. He asked from the counsel that the cabinet came to the conclusion that the regulatory bodies have to take action but now you wanted to quash everything and the regulators start from the zero.

Makhdoom maintained that the regulatory agencies have their own statutory procedures, therefore, citizens' rights are protected in the laws.

He said that so far nothing has been done against any party. If any action is taken then mills have reasons, he added.

Makhdoom raised the question over the constitution of inquiry commission.

Justice Gulzar said that when the government feels expedient it can constitute a commission to conduct inquiry on certain public matters. He added that the sugar is a public matter. He further said that suppose they declare the commission was not in accordance with law but the report will remain on the file, adding that it is only compilation of facts.

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The CJP inquired whether the report can become piece of evidence.

Makhdoom replied that no, unless the commission members are cross examined about the contents of the reports.

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