Islamabad High Court (IHC), on Wednesday, approved a stay over Capital Development Authority (CDA) plan to seal the wedding marquees. The court is also hearing the petition filed by owners of some wedding halls. Justice Aamir Farooq directed the civic agency to furnish a report within a fortnight. The petitioners had challenged the CDA’s decision to seal a number of marquees as well as demolish the allegedly illegal structures. Justice Farooq ordered the CDA authorities to combine all cases related to wedding halls in a comprehensive report to be reported before the court. The petitioners claimed that all owners were ready to register their outlets but, they added, the heavy registration fees set by CDA was a violation of fundamental laws. They further added that the CDA did not have the authority to collect fees from the wedding halls/ marquees established in the rural areas of the capital. The hearing was adjourned till April 21. According to the available information, the civic agency had served final notices to all illegal marquees last week allegedly operating without No Objection Certificates (NOCs). As per CDA records, there are a total of 77 marquees in Islamabad. Out of them, only one holds NOC and another’s case is in its final stages of approval for the certificate. The remaining 75 marquees are unauthorised. These marquees operate in E-11; Bhara Kahu; Banigala; along Kashmir Highway; GT Road; Murree Road; the Expressway; Lehtrar Road and Park Road among other areas. Wedding marquees and halls have become a popular business over the last decade, having spread across the capital. The CDA’s building control section started issuing final notices to marquee owners, telling them to shut down their businesses or face action by the authority. It informed such business persons through notices that they were directed to get their establishment of marquee regularized and public notices were also issued. The agency further warned that failure to remove the marquee would lead to action under section 49-C of the CDA Ordinance, which may result in the demolition of the structure “at your own risk and cost”. Last year, the Supreme Court had directed the CDA to demolish or seal all such illegal wedding halls. The court had also directed to make a comprehensive strategy in this regard. In compliance, the CDA’s concerned wing informed such marquees’ owners through public notices and official letters after reminders. However, all such efforts went in vain. Thus, the agency issued its last warning, in the wake of which the said businessmen approached the apex court for relief over the matter. The CDA also approved regulations for wedding halls and marquees last year. The board decided that halls must be spread over 2,000 square yards with 50 per cent covered ground, and would be allowed two storeys. Marquees were also allowed 2,000 square yards, and both should have one parking space for every 250 square ft of covered area. Wedding halls and marquees are also bound by fire and safety regulations included in Pakistan’s building code. Thus, structural designs must be prepared and vetted by licensed professional engineers in accordance with the applicable building code.