LHC expresses dismay over blocking of properties for years by LDA

Lahore High Court expressed strong displeasure over the performance of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) in keeping citizens’ properties blocked for a long time and directed it that the land acquisition process be completed within three months, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel. 

LHC Judge Justice Masood Abid Naqvi heard the petition filed by the LDA. During the hearing, Assistant Advocate General Muhammad Usman Khan appeared on behalf of the Punjab government, while Additional Director General LDA Khurram Shahzad Bhatti, other officers and ADCR Lahore Karim Dad Chughtai also appeared in the court. 

At the start of the hearing, the court asked the LDA representatives to clarify how long the land acquisition process could be completed. 

The LDA representative told the court that, “if the private party is willing to take a plot in exchange for the land, the process can be completed within a month, however, if the ADCR decision is declared null and void, the acquisition process will require about six months”. 

After hearing the argument of LDA representative, Justice Masood Naqvi questioned said that if the process can be completed within six months then why LDA was blocking citizens properties for years. Justice Masood Abid Naqvi made it clear that blocking properties for long time or indefinite time will not be tolerated. 

The court said that the aggrieved party is not willing to take the plot, therefore, he should be paid appropriate compensation as per the law. The court further remarked that the matter has been pending since 2014-15 and it would not be appropriate to grant another six months’ time.

Justice Masood Abid Naqvi said that the court will not accept unnecessary delay on the part of the LDA. During the hearing, ADCR Lahore Karim Dad Chughtai was also questioned regarding the determination of the value of the land. The ADCR told the court that the determination of the value would be completed within a month. However, the court termed this response as inadequate and directed that the value of the land be determined within 15 days.

The court later ordered that the ADCR complete the valuation within 15 days while the LDA complete the acquisition process within two and a half months. Justice Masood Abid Naqvi clarified that the entire process should be completed within a total of three months. 

The complainant lawyer requested the court to compensate the affected citizen as per the current market rate. On this, LHC judge ruled that “if the party is not satisfied with the amount of compensation, then he will have the right to approach the forums available according to the law”. 

During the hearing, the LDA challenged the authority of the ADCR and argued that the ADCR's decision was wrong and should be declared null and void. The court observed that since the parties could not reach an agreement, detailed arguments regarding the legal aspects of the case and the powers of the ADCR would be heard in the next hearing. Later, the Lahore High Court adjourned the hearing of the case for further proceedings.