Court seeks acting governor’s appointment notification

LAHORE
JUSTICE Syed Mansoor Ali Shah of the Lahore High Court Friday sought a notification of appointment of acting Punjab governor till next week. The court also issued notices to the federal and provincial governments for their reply by the next date of hearing.
The court was holding proceedings on petition filed by a local lawyer. The petitioner stated that after resignation of Ch Sarwar, the Punjab Assembly speaker was appointed caretaker governor, which was against the Constitution. He stated that either the working governor would resume his office if the circumstances provided in the Constitution arise or a new governor would be appointed, but a middle way governor or caretaker governor may not be appointed.
He stated that after the resignation of the ex-governor and appointment of caretaker Governor was not only in conflict with the provision of the Constitution but also against the basic nomenclature, scheme and structure of the Constitution. He stated that the appointment of caretaker/governor was not only an act of illegal nature but violation of the mandatory provisions of the Constitution as well. He stated that the article 199(1)(b)(ii) lays down the powers to LHC to require the person who holds a public office to show under what authority of law he claims to hold that office. He requested that acting governor should be removed from his office and direction may be given to the respondents concerned for appointment of the governor who fulfills the criteria and requirements.