LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday directed the Federal Law Ministry to appoint permanent insurance tribunals in Punjab province within three months or be ready to face contempt of court proceedings.

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah issued this order on the petitions questioning unavailability of the insurance tribunals in the province for the last 17 years.

Petitioners` counsel argued that the Insurance Ordinance 2000 required the federal government to constitute insurance tribunal(s) to decide disputes regarding claims of insurance.

The CJ expressed his concern when the counsel said the insurance tribunals had not been made functional for the last 17 years.

An assistant advocate general told the court that one additional district and sessions judge in each district headquarters of the province had been given additional powers of the insurance tribunal. The law officer said at least four months would be required to make the permanent tribunals functional.

However, the chief justice directed the law ministry to constitute permanent insurance tribunals in the province within three months or be ready to face contempt proceedings.

The CJ adjourned hearing till Aug 22 and asked the law officer to submit a compliance report.