Islamabad (Web Desk): The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the government to take action against sugar mills in the light of Sugar Inquiry Commission (SIC) report.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, gave the government go-ahead to take action against sugar mill owners, striking down a stay order by the Sindh High Court (SHC) earlier.
The court also ordered the government officials to avoid giving statements about the SIC report.
The apex court also directed Islamabad and Sindh high courts to decide petitions of Sugar Mills in three weeks.
On July 2, the top court heard a case on the plea filed against the Sindh High Court’s decision which had stopped the government from taking action against sugar mill owners held responsible for the sugar price hike earlier this year.
During the hearing, the CJP inquired as to how the SIC report can impact the mill owners, asking them about their concerns on the matter.
Justice Gulzar Ahmed added that the situation was caused by the government itself as it opens an inquiry which leads to court cases.
Government's lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan informed the court that Sugar Mills Association had approached the Islamabad High Court in its personal capacity and the commission only provided recommendations.
The CJP then remarked that so far no action has been taken against any sugar mill.
Justice Ahsan said that according to the SIC report the sugar mills owners were not heard, adding that their rights will be protected.
After the arguments, the apex court subsequently turned down the government's plea against barring action on the SIC report.
