LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday halted the enforcement of eviction and possession removal orders issued by deputy commissioners under the Punjab Property Ownership Law, providing temporary relief to petitioners challenging the legality of such actions.
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A division bench of the LHC heard four petitions filed against decisions taken by deputy commissioners to remove possession of properties under the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance. During the proceedings, the court suspended the implementation of all eviction-related orders issued by deputy commissioners across the province.
The court observed that deputy commissioners and commissioners do not have the legal authority to independently order the removal of possession under the existing legal framework. It noted that the matter involved important legal questions regarding the scope of powers exercised by administrative officers in property disputes.
Following the preliminary hearing, the LHC referred the petitions to a full bench for detailed adjudication. The court also directed the authorities to place the complete record of the cases before the full bench to facilitate a comprehensive review of the legal and constitutional issues involved.
The ruling comes amid an ongoing debate over the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance, which was introduced to provide speedy resolution of land and property disputes. The ordinance aimed to curb illegal occupations and ensure quick relief for rightful owners through time-bound decisions.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had expressed serious concern over the suspension of the Punjab Immovable Property Ordinance by the Lahore High Court. She warned that the interim orders could benefit land grabbers and create further difficulties for ordinary citizens seeking justice in long-standing property disputes.
In a statement, the chief minister said the ordinance was enacted to ensure swift justice for people entangled in land-related litigation for years. She added that, for the first time, a 90-day limit had been introduced to decide land and property cases, calling it a major reform to protect citizens’ property rights.
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The full bench’s decision is now awaited, as it is expected to clarify the legal authority of administrative officials and determine the future course of the property law in Punjab.