The Lahore High Court on Wednesday permitted a sugar mill to initiate fresh legal proceedings before its Multan Bench against restrictions imposed on the cultivation of tall crops, including sugarcane, in Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur districts.

The case was heard by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on a petition filed by JDW Sugar Mills, owned by senior politician Jahangir Khan Tareen. The company had challenged separate notifications issued by the deputy commissioners of both districts, which had barred the cultivation of tall crops in riverine (katcha) areas on security grounds.

Authorities argue that dense and tall crops like sugarcane can obstruct surveillance in sensitive riverine zones and may create concealment opportunities during law and order operations.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel, senior lawyer Shahzad Elahi, contended that the restrictions had been imposed independently in both districts and requested that the matter be transferred to the principal seat in Lahore.

However, the Chief Justice directed that the case be heard at the Multan Bench, allowing the petitioner to pursue legal challenges against both notifications there.