In a recent development, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the Karachi commissioner to conduct an inquiry into an event held under the guise of Aurat March without proper authorization from the district administration. The court’s order came in response to a petition filed against the Aurat March and a dance competition.
A two-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, expressed concerns over the organization of the event without permission and ordered an investigation into any possible negligence on the part of district management in preventing such activities.
The petition, filed by eight female lawyers, raised objections against the Aurat March and other related events, citing concerns about the promotion of immoral activities and slogans during the demonstrations. The court noted that while one event held at the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) was deemed to be a family-friendly function without any objectionable content, the Aurat March itself was a separate matter.
The respondents, including the ministry of interior, chief secretary of Sindh, and the home department, clarified that no permission had been granted for organizing the Aurat March on March 8th of the concerned year, either near the ACP Karachi or within the South district. They assured the court that no such permissions would be granted in the future for events promoting obscenity or immorality.
Despite this clarification, the SHC expressed its dismay at the organization of the Aurat March without proper authorization and directed the Karachi commissioner to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. The court emphasized that if any deliberate negligence was found on the part of district management, appropriate action should be taken against the responsible officials in accordance with the law.
The order reflects the court’s commitment to upholding constitutional provisions and ensuring that events held in public spaces adhere to legal and moral standards. It also underscores the importance of accountability in ensuring the responsible conduct of public events, particularly those that impact societal norms and values.
The directive from the Sindh High Court signals a proactive stance in addressing concerns related to public demonstrations and events, reaffirming the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the interests and values of the community.