The top court on Monday suspended Sindh High Court's verdict of March 02 for bringing liquor selling in the province in violation of the Hudood Ordinance of 1979 to an end. Resuming the hearing of an appeal filed by wine vendors against SHC decision to seal 120 liquor shops in Sindh, a two-member bench comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan and Justice Mazhar Alam observed that the High Court has nothing to do with issuing such order while police are authorised under Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order 1979 to take measures against violators regarding the sale of liquor.
However, the bench while passing order has observed that police may take action in accordance with the law. The bench also asked the registrar office to fix this case before a three-member bench on the next hearing. The hearing of the case was adjourned for three weeks.
Appearing on behalf of her clients in the matter, Asma Jahangir requested the apex court to suspend the SHC order till final adjudication of the appeal, saying her clients didn't violate Section 17 of the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order 1979 while selling the liquor.
It is important to mention that on March 02, the SHC issued directives to the provincial excise and taxation department to immediately seal off all shops selling liquor in violation of the Hudood Ordinance of 1979. The SHC also sought compliance report from the provincial police chief in the matter.
After hearing the appeal of the wine vendors in Sindh, the apex court ruled that the Sindh police may take action in accordance with law in the matter. The Supreme Court also asked the registrar office to fix the current matter before a three-member judge bench on the next hearing. Later, hearing of the matter was adjourned for three weeks.
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