LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday suspended the operation of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, after Chief Justice Aalia Neelum raised serious concerns over its impact on civil rights and judicial authority. The interim order halted the enforcement of the newly enacted law, which empowers committees led by deputy commissioners to decide property disputes.
Justice Neelum issued the ruling while hearing petitions that challenged actions taken under the ordinance. Through the interim order, the court also suspended all decisions made under the law that resulted in the removal of property possession. As a result, the status quo will remain in place until further proceedings.
During the hearing, the chief justice openly criticised the legislation and questioned its intent. She remarked that if the law continued to operate, even high-profile properties such as Jati Umra could be vacated within minutes. She added that the ordinance appeared to concentrate excessive authority in the hands of the executive.
Concerns over civil rights and judicial oversight
Justice Neelum questioned how a revenue officer could hand over possession of a property while the matter remained pending before a civil court. She observed that the ordinance undermined the existing civil justice system and weakened judicial supremacy. According to her remarks, the law dismantled the civil setup and eroded long-established legal protections.
Furthermore, the chief justice pointed out that the ordinance denied affected individuals the right to appeal. She noted that if a deputy commissioner transferred possession of a house under the new framework, the dispossessed owner would have no effective legal remedy. She also observed that the law restricted the high court’s authority to grant a stay in such matters.
While expressing her displeasure, Justice Neelum stated that unchecked authority could even threaten constitutional safeguards. She warned that laws which bypass judicial oversight pose serious risks to fundamental rights and democratic governance.
Court proceedings and government response
The Punjab chief secretary and other senior government officials attended the hearing. However, the Punjab advocate general did not appear before the court. Officials informed the bench that the province’s principal law officer was unwell.
In response, Justice Neelum remarked that she herself was ill and had been advised bed rest, yet continued to preside over court proceedings. Her comments underscored the court’s urgency in addressing the matter.
Following the arguments, the chief justice announced that the court would constitute a full bench to hear the case in detail. Subsequently, she adjourned the proceedings to a later date, signalling that the court would closely examine the constitutional and legal validity of the ordinance.
Background of the ordinance
The Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, received approval from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on October 31. The law mandates the resolution of land and property disputes within 90 days through administrative committees led by deputy commissioners. However, critics argue that the ordinance sidelines civil courts and concentrates decision-making powers within the executive branch.
