LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) division bench on Wednesday issued notices to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for March 25 on a petition filed by Chairman Nishat Group Mian Muhammad Mansha challenging NAB notices issued to him in connection with Saint James Hotel inquiry.
The LHC bench also stopped NAB from taking coercive measures against the petitioner. The division bench comprising Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan and Justice Mirza Viqas Rauf heard the petition.
Advocate Salman Aslam Butt, on behalf of the petitioner, had submitted that the bureau launched an inquiry against his client over purchase of Saint James Hotel in London, on Nov 1,2018. He submitted that the bureau issued notices to his client and sought money trail for the purchase of the hotel besides sale agreement and details of loans.
He submitted that the bureau did not have the authority to investigate the matter as it did not fall under its jurisdiction. He contended that the bureau overstepped his authority. He pleaded with the court to set aside the notices being illegal. At this, the bench issued notices to the bureau and sought reply for March 25.
The bench also directed the petitioner to join the investigations while stopping the bureau from taking any coercive measure against him.