IHC calls for permanent solution to car showroom location issue

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notice to the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) with a directive to propose a lasting resolution to the ongoing issue surrounding the location of car showrooms in the capital.

The dispute emerged as the CDA had previously sealed more than a hundred car showrooms, prompting the affected showroom owners to file a petition with the IHC. In response to this petition, Justice Babar Sattar presided over the case and handed down a series of directives to the CDA Chairman.

Justice Sattar emphasized that before taking any further actions to close down showrooms, the CDA Chairman should examine successful models from cities such as London, Delhi, Malaysia, and Singapore. Furthermore, the court ordered the Chairman to engage with stakeholders to formulate a sustainable solution to the issue.

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In a notable development, the court also mandated the inclusion of the Inspector General of Islamabad and the Senior Superintendent of Traffic Police as parties in the case, highlighting the gravity of the matter.

Advocate Kashif Malik, representing the petitioners, argued that showrooms failing to comply with building regulations should be subjected to fines or vehicle impoundment. He underscored that completely shutting down these businesses was not the appropriate course of action, especially considering the impact on the accessibility of new cars, which has led consumers to turn to the used car market.

Malik further contended that constructing showrooms in commercial areas did not constitute a violation of the law. If the CDA had reservations, he suggested that a designated area be allocated for showrooms to alleviate the parking difficulties experienced by customers outside large shopping malls and hotels.

Justice Sattar inquired whether the CDA had assigned plots for parking specifically for these showrooms, to which the CDA’s counsel promised to provide additional information on the matter.

The court emphasized that a permanent solution must be reached, warning that if violations persist, showrooms will face strict consequences. Justice Sattar also urged the CDA to issue advance notices to violators before resorting to sealing actions.

Regarding the sale of showrooms, the court sought an explanation from the Director of Building Control, and the CDA’s counsel acknowledged the pattern of successive chairmen advocating for showroom closures. Justice Sattar suggested that the relevant officer should acquaint the chairman with the appropriate procedure.

The IHC adjourned the case’s hearing for one month.