LHC orders return of Rs70 million surety deposit to Punjab CM

The Lahore High Court has approved a petition seeking the return of Rs70 million deposited as surety by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in connection with a previous legal case, directing that the amount be refunded.

The decision was announced by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum during a hearing at the Lahore High Court. The case relates to the Chaudhry Sugar Mills matter, in which the amount had been submitted as a guarantee during legal proceedings.

According to court records, the Rs70 million was deposited as a surety bond by Maryam Nawaz as part of legal conditions imposed during the investigation phase. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) later concluded proceedings in the case, after which a request was filed for the return of the deposited funds.

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During the hearing, the court examined the request and observed that since the case had been concluded, there was no legal justification to retain the surety amount. After reviewing the relevant record and arguments, the bench accepted the plea and ordered the release of the funds.

Legal representatives informed the court that the surety was no longer required following the closure of the case, and therefore its return was in accordance with procedural and legal norms.

The court’s directive effectively clears the way for the refund of the amount deposited as a guarantee during the investigation process.

The Chaudhry Sugar Mills case had been under scrutiny for several years as part of broader accountability proceedings. However, with the closure of the case, associated legal obligations, including the surety deposit, were reviewed and subsequently discharged.

The ruling concludes another procedural aspect of the long-running case, reinforcing that surety amounts are subject to return once legal conditions are fulfilled and proceedings are formally concluded.