The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Speaker Punjab Assembly (PA) resolve the controversial appointment of assembly secretary within one month in accordance with the rules and regulations after hearing to the petitioner, Mohammad Khan Bhatti challenging the appointment of Masood Ahmed Malik.
The petitioner contended that while he was on leave and an officer junior to him was made secretary in his absence while he was on leave and prayed to the court that respondent's appointment might be rescinded. PA Speaker, in his written reply contended that that petitioner availed a long leave from March 12, 2008 soon after assuming the charge of secretary on March 8, 2008.
The petitioner has not even requested speaker to assume office as this post should not lay vacant as the secretary is responsible for smooth running and controlling the affairs of assembly on regular basis.
The speaker further said assembly rules suggest that the post of secretary is not meant to be filled through promotion rather by appointment of suitable person in the designated posts having capacity and competence, therefore appointment through posting/transfer did not create a vested right in favour of petitioner.