The Lahore High Court on Thursday issued a formal contempt of court notice to the Vice Chancellor of University of the Punjab during the hearing of petitions filed for the prevention of smog.
Justice Shahid Karim heard the petitions moved by Haroon Farooq and others.
During the proceedings, the court extended the stay order on the Shiranwala Gate and Taxali Gate projects and adjourned the hearing till February 27. The court also sought reports from law officers and the member of the judicial commission.
The member of the Judicial Water Commission informed the court that no representative of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) attended the meeting regarding the tree policy. At this, Justice Shahid Karim remarked that the conduct of the PHA should be noted.
The court observed that if this was the situation, the projects would remain halted.
A written reply was submitted on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University. The counsel for the university stated that the VC maintained he had the authority to order the cutting of trees.
Justice Shahid Karim remarked that there were clear court orders regarding the cutting of trees. The court subsequently issued a formal contempt notice to the Vice Chancellor.
