LHC CJ orders halt to cases against underage drivers in Punjab
Pakistan
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum stops cases against underage drivers, orders awareness first, and halts illegal sealing of lawyers’ chambers, calling for full review and lawful procedures.
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) – Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has taken strict notice of the arrests and legal cases filed against underage drivers in Punjab for traffic violations.
She ordered the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately stop registering cases against minors.
Justice Alia Neelum expressed concern over reports that children riding motorcycles and cars were not only arrested but also kept in police lockups and later presented in handcuffs in courts. She emphasized that awareness campaigns should be conducted first, warning underage drivers, and legal action should only follow repeated violations.
The IGP Punjab informed the Chief Justice that 18,000 traffic cases had been registered, including 296 against minors. Justice Neelum stressed that children must wait to obtain proper driving licenses before operating vehicles.
In a related matter, Chief Justice Alia Neelum also took serious notice of the illegal sealing of lawyers’ chambers. She directed both the IGP Punjab and the Chief Secretary to halt any such action without prior notice and ordered a full review and report. The Chief Justice warned that no unlawful measures against lawyers would be tolerated in the future.
Lawyers welcomed the Chief Justice’s decisive action and praised her for safeguarding legal and civil rights.
