KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has granted temporary relief to K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi by suspending the implementation of the Provincial Ombudsman’s ruling in a workplace harassment case, ARY News reported.
The court, while admitting Moonis Alvi’s petition challenging the jurisdiction of the Provincial Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment, issued notices to all involved parties and sought their responses within a week. Additionally, the court directed Alvi to deposit a provisional penalty of Rs 2.5 million as proceedings continue.
Barrister Abid Zuberi, representing Moonis Alvi, argued that the Provincial Ombudsman lacks jurisdiction over this case. He highlighted that K-Electric functions across multiple regions, including Hub and Windar, making it an inter-provincial enterprise regulated under federal, not provincial, laws.
The case will proceed after all submissions are received, as the SHC examines the legal authority of the Provincial Ombudsman in this matter.
Background of the Case:
Previously, the Provincial Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment, Justice (R) Shah Nawaz Tariq, had ordered the removal of Moonis Alvi from his CEO position at K-Electric. The Ombudsman also imposed a Rs 2.5 million fine after a complaint was lodged by Mehreen Zehra, a former consultant at K-Electric, alleging harassment and mental distress.
Following the Ombudsman’s decision, severe penalties were outlined, including asset seizures and possible blocking of Alvi’s CNIC and passport in case of non-compliance.
However, with the SHC’s intervention, Moonis Alvi has now obtained interim relief as the court critically reviews the scope and validity of the Ombudsman’s decision.
This development brings significant attention to the legal boundaries of provincial and federal oversight in corporate governance cases, with the SHC’s forthcoming ruling expected to set a crucial precedent.
