The Punjab government has agreed to amend the Property Ownership Act to restore judicial powers, signaling a step back in response to mounting legal challenges. According to highly reliable sources, the proposed amendments will replace retired session judges on tribunals with serving Additional Session Judges, and give civil judges the authority to forward applications concerning illegal possession to district committees. The committees will no longer decide directly on pending cases.
The Lahore High Court had issued a stay on the Punjab Property Ownership Ordinance after dozens of petitions were filed challenging the law. In response, the Punjab government formed a high-level legal committee to address judicial and lawyer objections and prepare amendments in accordance with legal requirements. Under the proposed changes, civil judges will decide whether an application under the Property Ownership Act should be sent to a district committee. Previously filed cases where petitioners claimed illegal possession can now be referred to the committee only through the civil judge, rather than directly.