IHC Slams CDA for Defying Court Orders on Plot Possession

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) failure to hand over possession of a plot to a citizen despite repeated court orders. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani was hearing a petition filed by Sadiqa Arif against non-compliance with court directives regarding her property in Sector E-11. During proceedings, Justice Kayani questioned the CDA’s counsel about the prolonged delay in providing possession of the plot despite years of litigation. He remarked that the case had been pending for a long time, and yet the affected citizen had not been given relief. The judge further asked whether issuing arrest warrants for the CDA chairman would finally compel the authority to fulfill its responsibilities. Justice Kayani warned the CDA’s counsel that the court could impose fines and direct both the chairman and board members to personally appear and comply with orders if the matter remained unresolved. He stressed that when strict action was taken, officials’ reputations were put at stake, something that could have been avoided had the authority acted responsibly. He also reminded the law officers of their duty to ensure compliance with judicial directives. CDA’s counsel informed the court that a board member responsible for the matter was on a four-week leave and requested additional time. However, Justice Kayani directed that the official be told to address the grievance of the affected citizen before the next hearing. He further stated that if compliance with the court’s orders was not ensured, the board member should appear in court even during leave. The petitioner’s counsel argued that years had passed without the CDA fulfilling its responsibility to the citizen. After hearing arguments, the court ordered the CDA to hand over possession of the plot to the petitioner before the next hearing. The case was adjourned until next month.