| Case ID |
fffeaa2a-6445-49c3-93a1-735be21842bf |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
Constitutional Petition No.52 of 2013 |
| Decision Date |
Dec 02, 2013 |
| Hearing Date |
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| Decision |
The Supreme Court of Pakistan directed the Federal and Provincial Governments to ensure the availability of wheat/flour and other foodstuffs at controlled/subsidized rates. The Court observed that there was a loose check on profiteers and hoarders and emphasized the duty of the government to curb hoarding and profiteering. The case was disposed of with instructions for necessary measures to be taken without delay and outcomes to be reported back to the Court. |
| Summary |
This significant case involved the Supreme Court of Pakistan addressing the issue of food security, particularly focusing on the pricing and availability of wheat and flour. The case was initiated by a letter from Mr. Liaquat Baloch, Secretary General of Jamat-e-Islami, highlighting the rising prices and scarcity of essential food items. The Court emphasized the responsibility of both Federal and Provincial Governments to ensure food security and the availability of basic necessities at controlled rates, as outlined in the Constitution of Pakistan, particularly Article 38. The Court noted the lack of adherence to the Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 1977, and the West Pakistan Foodstuffs (Control) Act, 1958, which mandated the control of foodstuff prices and distribution. The decision underscored the importance of governmental intervention in preventing profiteering and hoarding, ensuring that the basic needs of the citizens are met. This case highlights the crucial role of the judiciary in enforcing economic justice and ensuring the government's accountability in upholding the constitutional rights of its citizens. |
| Court |
Supreme Court of Pakistan
|
| Entities Involved |
Federal Government,
Provincial Governments,
Ministry of National Food Security and Research,
Ministry of Industries and Production,
Jamat-e-Islami
|
| Judges |
IFTIKHAR MUHAMMAD CHAUDHRY, C.J.,
JAWWAD S. KHAWAJA,
AMIR HANI MUSLIM, JJ
|
| Lawyers |
Taufiq Asif, Advocate Supreme Court,
Amir Malik, Advocate Supreme Court,
Saifullah Gondal, Advocate,
Syed Attique Shah, Additional A.G.,
Altaf Hussain, Assistant Chief, M/o Commerce,
Dr. Muhammad Aslam, Food Security Commissioner-I, M/o National Food Security and Research,
Mustafa Ramaday, A.G., Punjab,
Qasim Mirjat, Additional A.G., Sindh,
Zahid Yousaf, Additional A.G., KPK,
M. Fareed Dogar, A.A.G., Balochistan
|
| Petitioners |
|
| Respondents |
|
| Citations |
2014 SLD 128,
2014 SCMR 329
|
| Other Citations |
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| Laws Involved |
Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 1977,
Constitution of Pakistan, 1973,
West Pakistan Foodstuffs (Control) Act, (XX of 1958)
|
| Sections |
6,
38,
184(3),
38(d),
3
|