Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance Stayed by LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday suspended the implementation of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, which was promulgated by the provincial government to fast-track measures for safeguarding property rights.

The order was issued during hearings on petitions filed by Abida Parveen and others, who have challenged the legality of the ordinance.

The provincial government had introduced the law to protect lawful property owners and provide swift remedies against illegal occupation. It empowers Dispute Resolution Committees, headed by deputy commissioners, and property tribunals led by former or serving district judges, to resolve ownership disputes and take administrative action.

The ordinance also criminalises illegal possession of immovable property, prescribing penalties of five to ten years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Rs1 million.

LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum presided over the proceedings. The court removed procedural objections to the petitions, recommended the constitution of a full bench to hear the matter, and ordered the repossession of properties that had been transferred under the new law.

During the hearing, the chief justice expressed serious concern over the ordinance, observing that it appeared to confer sweeping powers without adequate safeguards.

“If this law remains, even Jati Umra can be handed over to someone else in half an hour,” Chief Justice Neelum remarked, referring to the residence of the ruling Sharif family.She added that the law bypasses civil courts and judicial supremacy, leaving citizens with limited rights of appeal.

The court also questioned why the advocate general of Punjab was absent during the hearing. The government’s counsel explained that he was unwell.

She asked the chief secretary if he had even read the law, suggesting that it seemed to be designed to give unchecked powers to certain individuals. She questioned the purpose of the ordinance, saying: “If a matter is already under civil court proceedings, how can a revenue officer execute possession?”

The LHC CJ further criticised the law for undermining civil rights and judicial supremacy.

“You have eliminated the civil setup and civil rights. If it were up to you, you would even suspend the Constitution,” she remarked.

She warned that under the law, citizens have no right to appeal if their property is handed over to someone else and that the high court cannot even issue an injunction in such cases.

CJ Neelumnoted that the law allows complaints to be filed and properties to be taken away even when false documents or fake registrations are involved.

She said the government’s committee intimidates people, warning them that police will take action if possession is not given, and cautioned that patwaris (revenue officers) given authority under the ordinance could collude with land-grabbing groups in the future.

The court then removed all objections to the petitions and recommended forming a full bench, while also ordering the repossession of properties allocated under the law.

Read more: LHC Grants Bail to Cleric Muhammad Ali Mirza in Blasphemy Case