ABDULLAH KHAN Versus MEMBER, BOARD OF REVENUE, N.-W. F. P

ORDER

1. ABDUL QADIR SHAIKH, J.‑‑ This is a petition for leave to appeal from the judgment of a Division Bench of Peshawar High Court, dated 25‑3‑1985 allowing a writ petition filed by respondents 4 and 5 and in result setting aside the decree passed in petitioner's favour by the Collector in a pre‑emption suit. Petitioner's claim to preferential right was based on the ground that they were the tenants of the suit property which is recognised under clause (d) of paragraph 25(3) of Land Reforms Regulation, 1972.

2. The High Court reversed the judgment of the Courts below on basis of decision reported as P L D 1979 Pesh. 104 (Shariat Bench) wherein it was held that clause (d) of sub‑para. (3) of paragraph 25 of Land Reforms Regulation is repugnant to the spirit of Islam and a recommendation was made to the Government for the deletion of the aforesaid provision of law with immediate effect. This Court has also in "N.‑W.F.P. v. Said Kamal Shah P L D 1986 SC 361" ruled to the above effect but has directed that necessary amendment in the provisions of the Regulation may be made with effect from 31‑7‑1986.

3. Mr. Abdul Rehman Khan, learned counsel appearing in support of the petition submits that petitioner's rights under the present law still subsist and these cannot be taken away with retrospective effect.

4. This and other points raised in the petition deserve consideration. We therefore grant leave and allow the petition. Security Rs.1,000.

5. The appeal will be heard on the present record within six months. It will. however, open to the parties to fill additional documents, if any.

6. M.I. Leave granted.