SC dismisses review pleas on ruling over Monal, other restaurants

While maintaining its June 11 verdict pertaining to the relocation of restaurants in the National Park Area, including the famous eatery Monal, the Supreme Court dismissed the petitions, seeking a review of the ruling.

A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, comprising Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, reserved the verdict on September 3.

A written verdict was issued on Tuesday, which stated that the owners of the restaurants, namely Monal, La Montana, and Gloria Jeans, had assured the court to end the possession of the restaurants, voluntarily.

Describing the review petitions as an attempt at contempt of court, the SC has said in its remarks, “Despite the assurance, submission of review petitions is like a joke with the court.”

The verdict quoted the previous ruling, which directed the Central Development Authority (CDA) to provide a lease to restaurants in other areas and remove them from the Margalla Hills National Parks on a priority basis.

In a recent judgment, it was clarified that the apex court's decision should be followed accurately.

On June 11, SC ordered the relocation of the restaurants within the period of three months. 

The decision was made on the review petition against the Islamabad High Court order in which CDA and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board were ordered to seal the Monal.