Karachi (HRNW): The Sindh High Court has dismissed at the preliminary stage a constitutional petition challenging the government’s mechanism for determining petroleum prices and seeking a reduction in fuel prices.
After hearing arguments from the parties, the court declared the petition not maintainable and rejected it at the initial stage.
In its order, the court observed that the determination of petroleum prices and the imposition of related taxes fall within the constitutional domain of the government and the legislature. The court further held that it cannot interfere in matters assigned to the executive and the legislature.
The court stated that the formulation of economic and fiscal policies is the responsibility of the government and that judicial intervention is limited to cases involving illegal or arbitrary state action affecting fundamental rights.
According to the ruling, the petitioner failed to establish any violation of a fundamental constitutional right. The court further noted that dissatisfaction with petroleum prices alone does not provide sufficient grounds for a constitutional petition.
The petitioner had requested the court to declare the existing petroleum pricing mechanism unlawful, arguing that the significant decline in global crude oil prices should be reflected in domestic fuel prices.
The petition also sought directions for the government to reduce the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL), immediately lower petroleum prices, suspend recent increases in fuel prices, and disclose a transparent breakdown of levies, taxes, and other costs imposed on petroleum products from import to retail sale.
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Disclaimer:
This report is based on court proceedings and the contents of the constitutional petition. It summarizes the observations made by the Sindh High Court during the hearing and does not constitute legal advice.
