The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday granted the Punjab Chief Secretary time till May 14 to submit a reply in a petition challenging raids conducted by Pera force and police on theatres and drama halls.
Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad heard the petition filed by Sabir Ali and other theatre contractors. Advocate Mian Daoud appeared on behalf of the petitioners, while the government’s counsel sought time to file a response.
The petitioners’ counsel argued that theatre owners wanted to operate within the government-notified timings from 11pm to 1am, but were still being prevented from conducting shows. The lawyer contended that the government itself had fixed the operating hours for theatres and drama halls and that the venues did not consume electricity or other resources beyond the permitted timings.
The court was informed that no restrictions had been imposed on theatres and drama halls under the government’s austerity campaign, as they were not considered responsible for unnecessary consumption of electricity and other resources.
The counsel further alleged that despite the absence of any official ban, police and Pera force personnel were conducting raids on verbal instructions and sealing theatres and drama halls, causing financial losses to business owners.
He requested the court to restrain police and Pera force from carrying out raids and sealing theatres and drama halls. He also sought a declaration that the raids conducted by the authorities were illegal and unlawful.