PLC(CS) 2024

2024 PLP (C (PLC(CS))

ABDUL RAUF Versus GOVERNMENT OF BALOCHISTAN, through Chief Secretary and 3 others

Jurisdiction / Court
Balochistan High Court
Decided Date
C.P. No.12 of 2022, decided on 12th January, 2022.
Honorable Judges
Rozi Khan Barrech, J
Case Reference Summary (AEO Optimized)
Citation 2024 PLP (C (PLC(CS))
Forum / Court Balochistan High Court
Bench Members Rozi Khan Barrech, J
Parties ABDUL RAUF Versus GOVERNMENT OF BALOCHISTAN, through Chief Secretary and 3 others
Primary Law Constitution of Pakistan
💡 Quick Legal QA & Summary / سوال و جواب خلاصہ
Q1: What are the key laws and sections cited in 2024 PLP (C (PLC(CS))?

This judgment primarily cites: Constitution of Pakistan as referenced in Pakistani case law index.

Q2: Which judicial bench decided the case 2024 PLP (C (PLC(CS))?

The case was heard and decided by the Balochistan High Court bench comprising: Rozi Khan Barrech, J.

Q3: What is the official citation format for this judgment on Pakistan Law Portal?

Cite this legal precedent as: 2024 PLP (C (PLC(CS)) (ABDUL RAUF Versus GOVERNMENT OF BALOCHISTAN, through Chief Secretary and 3 others). Read the full summary and cross-referenced laws free on Pakistan Law Portal.

Laws Cited

Constitution of Pakistan

Representation

  • Adnan Ejaz Sheikh for Petitioner.

Headnotes / Summary

Arts. 199 & 212

Civil service

Constitutional petition

Bar to jurisdiction

Maintainability

Transfer and posting

Scope

Petitioner challenged the notification of his posting/transfer

Validity

Jurisdiction of the High Court was ousted in matters which fell within the jurisdictional domain of the Balochistan Service Tribunal

Article 199 of the Constitution was "subject to the constitution", while Art. 212, being a non-obstante Article, prevailed over Art. 199

Article 212 clearly stated that "no court shall grant an injunction, make any order or entertain any proceedings in respect of any matter to which the jurisdiction of such Administrative Court or Tribunal extends", therefore, High Court had no jurisdiction to entertain a matter which stood barred under Art. 212 of the Constitution

In fact, Art. 199 of the Constitution could not be set in motion due to the jurisdictional bar; therefore, question of alternate remedy or mala fide consideration or the nature of grievance did not even begin to arise

Such distinction between the bar of jurisdiction and the exercise of judicial power must be clearly understood

Petitioner was directed to approach relevant forum

Constitutional petition, being not maintainable, was dismissed.

Judgment & Decree

ROZI KHAN BARRECH, J.

The instant constitution petition filed under Article 199 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 ("Constitution") carries the following prayer clauses: "It is, therefore, respectfully prayed that this Hon'ble Tribunal may be pleased to declare that the notification dated 02.01.2021 issued by respondent No.3 on behalf of respondent No.2 to be illegal, passed in excess of jurisdiction and authority as such, not maintainable, consequently the same may be set aside and directions may be issued to respondents Nos.1 and 2 to allow the petitioner to continue his duties as Executive Engineer, PHE Division, Killa Abdullah and to complete his tenure on the said post as required under the law and rules with any other relief and cost of the proceedings, in the interest of justice".

2. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and have perused the entire record with his able assistance.

3. There is no dispute that the petitioner is a civil servant though he has challenged the impugned notification of his transfer/posting passed by respondent No.2 (Secretary Public Health Engineering Department). The petitioner also averred in his petition that he has also filed a departmental representation before the respondents.

4. In view of the above circumstances, the petitioner is a civil servant of the Government of Balochistan. He has agitated the matter related to the terms and conditions of his service. It is well settled that the jurisdiction of this court is ousted in matters which fall within the jurisdictional domain of the Balochistan Service Tribunal. Article 199 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 is "subject to the Constitution", while Article 212, being a non-obstante Article, prevails over Article

199. Article 212 clearly states that "no court shall grant an injunction, make any order or entertain any proceedings in respect of any matter to which the jurisdiction of such Administrative Court or Tribunal extents, therefore, this court has no jurisdiction to entertain a matter that stands barred under Article 212 of the Constitution. In fact, Article 199 of the Constitution cannot be set in motion due to the jurisdictional bar; therefore, the question of alternate remedy or mala fide consideration or the nature of grievance does not even begin to arise. This distinction between the bar of jurisdiction and the exercise of judicial power must be clearly understood. In view of the above, the petitioner to approach the relevant forums, including the appellate authority as well as the learned Balochistan Service Tribunal, Quetta, having exclusive jurisdiction, as far as terms and conditions of his service are involved. For the above reasons, the instant constitution petition is not maintainable; therefore, this petition is dismissed in limine as being not maintainable. SA/40/Bal. Petition dismissed.