ISLAMABAD: Declaring sections 74 and 75 of the Sindh Local Government Act 2013 null and void, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the provincial government is, under the Constitution, bound to establish "empowered" local bodies.
Hearing a petition filed by the MQM-P seeking empowerment and autonomy for local government institutions in Sindh, apex court Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed asked the provincial government to ensure devolution of financial, administrative and political powers to local governments. ordered.
"It is the prerogative of the local governments to prepare and implement the master plan of the city," Justice Gulzar said.
"The Sindh government is bound to maintain good working relations with the local governments," the judge said, adding that the provincial government cannot start a new project under the local government.
The top court ordered the Sindh government to ensure compliance of all relevant laws with Article 140-A of the Constitution.
The judge ordered the Sindh government to make necessary amendments as per the Constitution in the laws of Sindh Building Control Authority, Malir Development Authority, Karachi Development Authority, Hyderabad Development Authority, Jal Board, Sehwan and Larkana Development Authorities.
The Supreme Court ordered the Sindh government to amend sections where the powers of provincial and local governments conflicted.
It is pertinent to mention here that Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed delivered the judgment on the last day of his service.