Islamabad High Court Suspends Closure of Private Hotel, Summons CDA Officials

ISLAMABAD: the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended the closure order of the private hotel, Tandoori Junction, located in F-7 Markaz, and directed the Member Estate and Director General (DG) of Building Control Authority (CDA) to appear in person at the next hearing.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presided over the hearing of a petition filed by Javed Asif, the hotel owner, challenging the illegal closure of his establishment. Present at the hearing were the petitioner’s lawyer, Qaiser Imam Advocate, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Deputy Director Raheel Junejo, and the Defense Ministry Authority’s (DMA) lawyer, Sardar Yaqub Mastoi.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Farooq questioned the CDA’s legal authority to shut down the hotel, expressing concern over conflicting notices issued by the authority. "The notices issued by CDA in 2022 and 2023 mention encroachments, but the 2024 notice contradicts these by claiming the hotel was unlawfully unsealed after being sealed in 2020," observed the Chief Justice.

Justice Farooq admonished Deputy Director Raheel Junejo for failing to provide a clear explanation, stating, "The file shows the hotel was closed unlawfully under someone's influence. If you don't reveal who gave the order, I will instruct the FIA to investigate."

Additionally, the court reprimanded Junejo for his conduct in court, suggesting his actions were damaging the reputation of the CDA, and warned of potential suspension.

The IHC suspended the closure of Tandoori Junction and ordered the hotel’s immediate reopening. The court also summoned the Member Estate and DG of Building Control Authority to personally appear at the next hearing, which was adjourned until next week.