The High Court has concluded the final hearing on a petition challenging the validity of Article 116 of the Constitution, which governs the control and discipline of the judiciary, and will deliver its verdict on Sept 2. The bench, comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, scheduled the ruling for that date on Wednesday. The petitioners argue that the current amended article places authority over appointments, transfers, promotions, leave, and disciplinary matters of subordinate courts under the executive branch, specifically the president, via the law ministry. The High Court had issued a rule during preliminary hearings in April 2024, questioning why the amended Article 116 should not be declared unconstitutional. Under the amended provision, the president is responsible for controlling and disciplining magistrates, including transfers, promotions, leave approvals, and other administrative matters, a function previously under the Supreme Court in the 1972 Constitution.

Source: bd News24 August 13, 2025 15:25 UTC