The High Court of Sindh on Thursday issued notice to City Government and others for March 29 on a plea seeking directives for authorities concerned to fix sale price of fresh milk pending its determination by cost of production of fresh milk as well as relevant cost factors to the wholesaler and retailers.
A Division Bench of High Court of Sindh comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Yasmeen Abbasey was hearing an urgent application moved by petitioner, Milk Retailers Association.
Petitioner prayed to restrain City District Government Karachi (CDGK) and other respondents from allegedly penalising any person for sale of fresh milk as determination by respondents in any manner, whether by finning them or sending to jail. It was also submitted that in an order on March 6 by SHC, all stakeholders were directed to meet for determination of fair price of fresh milk. Plea also submitted it is now clear that neither the producers nor wholesaler are prepared to sell fresh milk at a price, which is well below the cost, incurred, when obtaining fresh milk.
It was further submitted this is in addition to the fact that there is no proper notification regarding fixation of fair price for fresh milk either by Federal law or Provincial Law. Petitioner also submitted to restrain City Government and others from imposing fine and provide a list of petitioners members, who have been fined so far and sent to jail. It may be noted here that on previous hearing the bench had ordered the CDGK district officer for Price Control to hold a meeting of all stakeholders, including public representatives, on March 15 to consider the issue and revise the price of milk.