A division bench of Lahore High Court here on Thursday set aside an order of a single bench wherein the sale process of 400,000 metric tons of wheat by Passco was annulled. Socio Legal Anchors Foundation had challenged the wheat sale and got a favourable decision by a single bench. Later, the Passco filed an Intra-Court Appeal (ICA) against the order. Some purchasers of the wheat also filed appeals.
The Passco through its counsel pleaded that the relief granted to the petitioner was not sought in the petition. Moreover, it said the petitioner had no locus standi to agitate the matter before the court. It therefore prayed to the court to set aside the impugned order.
The foundation had taken a plea that Passco advertised the sale of 400,000 metric tons of wheat at below market price without inviting bids. It said the advertisement was published on January 18, 2013 and Passco started the sale of commodity after three days on January 21. The petitioner argued that the whole process adopted by the Pasco to dispose of the wheat was illegal and in clear violation of procurements rules. He alleged that the corporation committed illegalities only to benefit selected buyers and to accumulate huge money.
