K-Electric CEO’s petition against removal not maintainable, says complainant’s lawyer in SHC

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday directed the Sindh governor to decide within the prescribed time limit an appeal filed by K-Electric Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Monis Alvi against the provincial ombudsman’s order for his removal.

On July 31, the provincial ombudsman for protection against harassment of women at workplaces had ordered Alvi’s dismissal for allegedly harassing the company’s former chief marketing and communication officer. The ombudsman had also directed him to pay Rs2.5 million in compensation to the complainant.

The following day, Alvi approached the SHC, which suspended the ombudsman’s order. A two-judge bench heard the matter on Friday.

During the proceedings, the complainant’s counsel argued that Alvi’s petition before the high court was not maintainable as his appeal was already pending before the Sindh governor. “If the petitioner wishes to pursue his case in the high court, he should first withdraw his appeal pending before the governor,” the counsel submitted.

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Alvi’s lawyer contended that even before the governor, the complainant had sought adjournment of the proceedings. He further argued that under the law, the governor was required to decide the appeal within 90 days, and that the provincial ombudsman had no jurisdiction to take action against K-Electric.

Justice Iqbal Kalhoro observed that the court could direct the governor to decide the matter within the prescribed timeframe. He added that if both sides did not agree to the court’s suggestion, it would hear arguments and determine the jurisdictional issue.

The bench extended its interim order suspending the ombudsman’s decision until the next hearing and adjourned the matter for four weeks.