Dr. M. AFZAL BEG vs UNIVERSITY OF PUNJAB and others
This matter originated as a petition for leave to appeal against an interim order passed by a Division Bench of the Lahore High Court in an Intra-Court Appeal. The High Court had suspended a notification appointing the petitioner as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Punjab. The core legal question concerned the validity of the interim relief granted by the High Court pending the final adjudication of the underlying writ petition. Upon review, the Supreme Court did not delve into the merits of the dispute. Instead, the Court recorded a mutual agreement reached between the learned counsel for both parties. The parties consented to maintain the status quo regarding the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor until the final disposal of the pending writ petition. The Supreme Court converted the petition into an appeal, disposed of it in accordance with the agreed terms, and issued a directive to the High Court to conclude the proceedings of the writ petition within a specified timeframe, specifically by February 1998.
- Can the Supreme Court dispose of a petition for leave to appeal based on a mutual agreement between the parties regarding interim relief?
- Is it appropriate for the Supreme Court to direct the High Court to expedite the disposal of a pending writ petition?
ORDER
' TRSHAD HASAN KHAN, J.---Leave to appeal is sought against the interim relief granted by a Division Bench of the Lahore High Court vide impugned order passed in Intra-Court Appeal No, 1007 of 1997 dated 26-11-1997, whereby the operation of the notification, by virtue of which petitioner No,1 herein was appointed as Vice-Chalncellor of the Punjab University, was suspended and the, case was listed for hearing on 2-12-1997 at 11-00 a.m.
2. It is, however, not necessary to examine the merits of the case. Suffice it to say that Mr. Muhammad Shahzad Shaukat, learned counsel for the petitioner and Ch. Muhammad Farooq, Senior Advocate, appearing on behalf of the respondent/caveator, have mutually agreed that status quo be maintained as to the appointment of Dr. Khalid Hamid, as Vice-Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore till the final disposal of Writ Petition No, 27151 of 1997 pending in the Lahore High Court.
3. In the circumstances, we convert this petition into appeal and dispose of the same in the terms agreed upon by the learned counsel for the parties. However, it is directed that the writ petition shall be disposed of by the High Court during the month of February, 1998. revisions by the competent authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the official sources or legal professionals for the most up-to-date and accurate information.