KARACHI – The Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) has dismissed a petition seeking the enforcement of labor laws across the province, citing that the petitioner was not an “aggrieved party.”
The Arguments
During the hearing, the petitioner, Advocate Tariq Mansoor, argued that over 850,000 workers in Sindh are facing severe violations of their fundamental rights due to the provincial government’s failure to protect the labor class. Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed questioned the maintainability of the petition, asking why no actual worker or affected laborer had approached the court or any relevant institution themselves. Advocate Mansoor responded that the workers are too poor to afford legal proceedings.
Government’s Position
The government’s counsel opposed the petition and informed the court that the “Middleman” and contractor system has been abolished through direct legislation. He maintained that labor laws are being actively implemented across the province and the rights of workers are already being protected under the new legal framework.
The Dismissal and Courtroom Drama
After hearing the arguments, the court dismissed the petition on the grounds that the petitioner did not have the legal standing (locus standi) as he was not a personally affected party. The situation became tense when the court repeatedly asked Advocate Mansoor to leave the rostrum. Upon his refusal, the court summoned the police. The petitioner reportedly told the court to have him “thrown out,” and was later seen leaving the premises in an emotional state.
