Overview
- The LHC ordered the immediate return of possession obtained through Dispute Resolution Committee proceedings and held that DCs and commissioners lack authority to remove or restore property possession.
- Enforcement of all DRC possession orders was suspended, and decisions by DC-led panels were overturned in cases spanning ten Punjab districts.
- Chief Justice Aalia Neelum referred petitions against the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Act 2025 to a full bench and sought complete records of the committees’ actions.
- The court warned of serious consequences for anyone facilitating possession after judicial orders, noting a reported handover in Gujranwala after the ordinance was suspended.
- Petitioners including Muhammad Ali and Rana Saleem Latif challenged the DRC orders as counsel conceded committees exceeded their mandate and said some possessions were handed over within 27 days, while the Punjab government defended the law and bar councils backed the court.