The Lahore High Court (LHC) has clarified that Pakistan’s Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) cannot directly initiate inquiries into disputes involving private cooperative housing societies without following the legal procedure prescribed under the law.
LHC Ruling on ACE Authority
The court observed that disputes involving cooperative housing societies fall within the jurisdiction of the relevant cooperative department. It also highlighted the legal requirement under Section 63 of the Cooperative Societies Act, which requires the Registrar of Cooperative Societies’ approval before prosecution can be initiated against a society.
During the proceedings, the ACE assured the court that it would seek the Registrar’s permission before initiating any inquiry, where required, and that the petitioner would not be harassed.
What This Means for Cooperative Housing Societies
The ruling reinforces the importance of following proper legal procedures when investigating private cooperative housing societies. It clarifies that authorities must act within their legal powers and comply with the applicable approval requirements.
For housing societies, office-bearers, and members, understanding the relevant laws and regulatory jurisdiction can help reduce legal risks and support compliance.
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