| Case ID |
edcc00a2-67b0-4678-a83d-2b7ba860e02a |
| Body |
View case body. Login to View |
| Case Number |
Writ Petitions Nos. 16096 and 15744 (suo motu) of |
| Decision Date |
Sep 03, 2009 |
| Hearing Date |
Aug 19, 2009 |
| Decision |
The Lahore High Court directed the Government of Punjab to ensure the sale of sugar at a reasonable price of Rs. 40 per kg to the general public. The court found that the Federal and Provincial Governments had failed to fix the ex-mill price of sugar lawfully, given that the cost of production was much lower than the prevailing market prices. The court emphasized the importance of ensuring that essential food items remain accessible to the public, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. The ruling also highlighted the need for government intervention in controlling prices to prevent profiteering by sugar mill owners and other market players. |
| Summary |
This case addresses the sugar crisis in Pakistan, focusing on the responsibilities of the government to ensure fair pricing and availability of sugar to the public. The Lahore High Court intervened after reports surfaced about rising sugar prices and allegations of profiteering by sugar mill owners, exacerbated by political influences. The court's ruling mandated that the government facilitate sugar sales at a price that reflects production costs, highlighting the fundamental rights of farmers and consumers. Key issues included the impact of government subsidies, the role of sugar mills in market manipulation, and the necessity for transparent pricing mechanisms. This decision emphasizes the court's authority in safeguarding public interests against exploitative market practices, especially in essential commodities like sugar. The case is significant in the context of food security and economic justice in Pakistan. |
| Court |
Lahore High Court
|
| Entities Involved |
Government of Punjab,
Federal Government,
Trading Corporation of Pakistan,
Pakistan Sugar Mills Association
|
| Judges |
IJAZ AHMAD CHAUDHRY,
ABDUL QADDUS MUGHAL
|
| Lawyers |
Shahid Karim,
Mian Muhammad Athar,
Muhammad Nasim Kashmiri
|
| Petitioners |
Shafquat Mahmood Chohan
|
| Respondents |
Muhammad Ashraf,
Muhammad Nasim Kashmiri,
Federal Government through Secretary Finance, Islamabad,
Abdul Razzaq Raja, Dy. A.-Gs.,
Ch. Muhammad Hanif Khatana, Acting A.G.,
Muhammad Irfan, Food Secretary,
Tanveer Ahmad Hashmi for T.C.P.,
Shahid Karim for Sugar Mills Association,
Khalid Mahmood, Chief Secretary
|
| Citations |
2010 SLD 1458,
2010 YLR 360
|
| Other Citations |
Not available
|
| Laws Involved |
Constitution of Pakistan, 1973,
Punjab Sugar Licensing (Control) Order, 1972
|
| Sections |
4,
199
|