The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday disposed of the petition filed for the release of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, that had been arrested during the party’s ‘jail bharo’ movement, for being ineffective, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

LHC judge Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry heard the petition filed by Ejaz Chaudhry.

During the hearing, the prosecutor produced the orders for the arrest of the leaders under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).

The prosecutor also produced a report on behalf of the Lahore deputy commissioner (DC) and the inspector general (IG) of prions.

“Now your petition has become ineffective. Let this petition be filed on behalf of the families of the detained leaders,” Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry remarked.

“The court has extensive powers to examine the legality of their detention,” the petitioner’s lawyer argued before the court.

“You have a forum to pursue the matter legally. Instead of a party leader, make the families of the detained leaders petitioner,” the LHC judge said to the lawyer.

“The ‘jail bharo’ movement has ended after the Supreme Court’s order [regarding elections],” the petitioner’s lawyer told the judge.

“Bring the party notification,” Justice Shehram asked the lawyer to which he replied: “I will bring it if the hearing is put off till Monday.”

“It cannot be put off till Monday. The petition has become ineffective,” Justice Shehram stated.

“I state that the court has powers,” the petitioner’s counsel pointed out to which Justice Shehram replied: “Are you the necessary respondent in the case. Don’t embarrass yourself.”

“It’s better that you do not insist. Otherwise, the court will give its decision that can create difficulties for you,” the LHC judge added.

“It’s okay sir. I do not insist,” the petitioner’s counsel said.

The plea was then disposed of for being ineffective.

Reporter: Malik Ashraf