LAHORE: The Lahore High Coun (LHC) on Friday sought replies from the Punjab home depanment and inspector general of police (IGP) on a petition challenging holding of protests on The Mall in violation of a ban.

Ali Javed advocate filed the petition in wake of recent suicide attack during a protest at Charing Cross.

During the hearing, the lawyer`s counsel Sheraz Zaka argued that holding peaceful protests was a fundamental right of the citizens, however, they must not be held in violation of superior court`s judgments. He said the court had ruled that in case of conflict the rights of the community should have the priority over the rights of individuals.

The counsel argued the protests on main thoroughfares like The Mall not only hampered smooth flow of traffic but also badly affected business activities of traders, which was a fundamental right. He said the rights of the citizens were at stake so protests by few individuals should be banned as they also increased possibility of terrorist attacks.

Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh issued notices to home secretary and the IGP for April 11.

Another coun dismissed a petition of the Mall Road Traders Union, seeking contempt of coud proceedings against the authorities for not implementing the ban on the protests on The Mall.

The government`s law officer told the coun that a policy had been devised to ensure the ban. At this, the court dismissed the petition.