The Lahore High Court reserved its verdict on the petition against the implementation of Section 144 in Punjab.
Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan heard the petition of citizen Shabbir Ismail challenging the implementation of Article 144 in Punjab.
The court has issued notices to the Punjab government and the Election Commission on the petition.
The petitioner took the position in the court that the election is about to be held and therefore Section 144 cannot be imposed. There is no need to apply section 144 for carrying arms as it is a separate offence.
It was further stated in the application that if Section 144 was to be imposed, the Election Commission itself would have applied. Section 144 should be declared null and void by the Punjab government.
“I wrote to the Secretary Establishment on January 27 regarding the Section 144 notification,” the public prosecutor said. I present the decision of the Supreme Court of India which clearly explains how Article 144 is applied in the circumstances. All they are doing is to allow them to display weapons. Should DCs not be empowered.
Later, the Lahore High Court reserved its decision on the case after the arguments were completed.