LHC Stops Punjab Government Action in FC College Land Dispute
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has stopped the Punjab government from taking disciplinary action in the FC College land dispute until further proceedings. The court also sought a detailed report from the provincial government on the matter. The case relates to a piece of land in Neela Gumbad, Lahore, currently under the use of FC College.
Justice Ahmed Nadeem Arshad issued the order while hearing a petition filed by the college registrar. The petitioner challenged the government’s move regarding the leased property and requested immediate relief. As a result, the court directed the government’s law officer to submit a report at the next hearing.
Court Seeks Government’s Response
During the proceedings, the court observed that authorities should have issued a notice before taking steps to recover lease rent or initiating action against the institution. Therefore, the court sought clarification from the Punjab government regarding its position.
The FC College registrar argued that government officials forcibly occupied the property on June 11. The petitioner also claimed that the move to cancel the lease was unlawful. In addition, the college requested the court to restore possession of the land until a final decision is reached.
The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the government originally leased the land to FC College in 1915. According to the lawyer, authorities extended the lease period until 2048 in 2018. Therefore, the college maintains that it has a legal right to continue using the property.
Punjab Government Raises Objections
The Punjab government challenged the admissibility of the petition. Additional Advocate General Punjab told the court that the college had not paid lease charges since 1975. He argued that non-payment of rent amounted to a violation of the lease agreement.
The government’s law officer also stated that authorities had allocated the land for educational purposes. However, he alleged that the institution used parts of the property for commercial activities. Consequently, the government requested the court to dismiss the petition.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Lahore High Court sought a report from the Punjab government and adjourned further proceedings until the next hearing.
