Pro-opposition lawyers to observe Justice Day today
Staff Correspondent
Sammilita Ainjibi Samannay Parishad, a forum of pro-opposition lawyers, will observe 'Justice Day' today at all courts across the country demanding a judiciary free from 'corruption' and 'executive influence.'Announcing this at a press conference yesterday, parishad convenor Barrister Amir-Ul Islam said instead of the Chief Justice, the senior most judge of the High Court (HC) should be given the authority to from benches in the HC. He said the Chief Justice dissolved the bench that issued a rule against a writ petition filed with the HC challenging the appointment of new chief election commissioner. If the Chief Justice interferes with the activities of judges then where will the people get justice?" he questioned. Amir-Ul Islam alleged that the country's judiciary is under the grip of politics causing hindrances to its smooth functioning. "The country's judiciary is now facing image crisis as the government appointed 34 judges in the HC in two phases considering their political affiliation," Amir-Ul Islam said, adding that the appointment of 16 judges was not confirmed. The parishad demanded formation of an independent commission after consulting with the opposition political parties to ensure fairness and competency while appointing judges in the HC. Referring to the verdict of Majdar Hossain Case (Supreme Court's 12-point directives regarding separation of judiciary from the executive), the parishad said the appointment, promotion and transfer of judges at the lower courts must be brought under the control of Judicial Service Commission. The rules that are being formulated violating the verdict of Majdar Hossain Case must be repealed, it added. Reforms must be brought to stop misuse of sections 54 and 167 of the Criminal Procedure Code in line with the High Court directives and Law Commission Report. Demanding stopping of 'crossfire' by law enforcement agencies, the parishad said the arrested persons should be taken outside the custody along with a magistrate for arms recovery. Supreme Court Bar Association President Advocate Mahbubey Alam, Secretary Enayetur Rahim, Advocate Abdul Baset Majumder, Advocate Abdul Matin Khasru, Advocate Subrata Chowdhury and Barrister Shafiq Ahmed were present at the press conference.
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