Muhammad Imran vs City District Government through DCO Faisalabad
This matter arose from a petition concerning the installation of large billboards and hoardings at public places, parks, roads, and footpaths, which pose a significant danger to public life and property. The core legal question before the Supreme Court of Pakistan was under what authority of law such immense structures are permitted to be installed on public annuity properties. The Court directed the respondents and the Government of Punjab to file a concise statement within fifteen days explaining the legal basis for these permissions. This order aligns with previous directives issued by the Court in a suo motu action concerning the removal of billboards and hoardings in Karachi. The Court laid down the principle that public spaces, footpaths, and parks are meant for public use and safety, and any commercial installations thereon must be strictly scrutinized under the authority of law.
- Under what authority of law can billboards and hoardings of immense sizes be permitted on public places, parks, roads, and footpaths?
- Can commercial billboards be installed on public annuity properties if they endanger public life and property?
ORDER
1. Let the respondents as also the Government of Punjab to apprise this Court as to how the billboards/hoardings of such immense sizes which endangers the public life and property are permitted to be installed at public places, property, parks, roads, foothpaths and other such properties which are meant for public use and are annuity properties in nature, under what authority of law this is permissible. Let a concise statement be filed by the respondents as also by the Government of Punjab within 15 days. This order is being passed in line with the orders passed by this Court in a suo motu action about the billboards/hoardings and direction to be removed the same from the city of Karachi. Notice to the respondents as also the Government of Punjab.