A three-member bench, comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel and headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, heard the case.
In a short ruling, the apex court told the federal government to act against the millers in accordance with the law. it said the government shouldn't take 'unnecessary steps' against sugar mill owners. It also restrained the government officials from commenting on the sugar commission report.
The Supreme Court directed the high courts of Sindh and Islamabad — where cases pertaining to the matter were being heard — to issue a decision within three weeks. The IHC has issued a verbal order in the case but a detailed order is yet to be issued.
In May, the report of the Sugar Forensic Commission (SFC) that was made public by the government stated that sugar mill owners have been acting as cartels. Six major groups hold 51 per cent production supply, Shehzad Akbar, Prime Minister’s assistant for accountability had said at the time.