HASSAN ALI Versus DEPUTY CONTROLLER

MAMOON KAZI, J. ‑‑‑By this common judgment we propose to dispose of Constitutional Petitions Nos.D‑75/86, D‑77/86, D‑78/86, D‑1330/86, D‑1331/86, D‑1332/86, D‑1333/86, and D‑897/89 as common questions of law are involved therein.

2. The petitioners, who are owners of restaurants or tea shops etc., are aggrieved by the action taken by the respondents under section 5 of the Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants Act, 1976 (Act LXXXI of 1976) read with section 22 of the said Act. It may be pointed out that the said Act which came into force in 1976 provides for measures for controlling and regulating the standard of service and amenities for tourists in hotels and restaurants and all matters ancillary thereto or connected therewith. Section 5 of the said Act provides as follows: _

?5. Registration of hotels and restaurants .‑‑‑‑(1) The owner of every hotel and restaurant shall within a period of two months from the commencement of this Act, or from the opening of the hotel or restaurant, or from the date on which this Act becomes