BartaBangla Report :: A writ petition was filed with the High Court on Wednesday challenging the legality of the much-talked-about 16th constitution amendment paving the way for establishing Parliament’s power to remove the Supreme Court judges.
A Supreme Court lawyer, Eunus Ali Akond, filed the writ petition with the concerned section of the High Court this (Wednesday) morning, praying to consider the 16th constitution amendment as illegal and unconstitutional.
The court will hear the petition on Sunday (October 19), the petitioner said.
The petition sought a rule making the Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary, Parliament Secretary and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) respondents.
The petition also sought an order staying the operation of the 16th amendment and also against enacting any law in a bid to remove the Supreme Court judges, as per this amendment, until disposal of the rule.
Talking to the reporters, Eunus Ali Akond said there is no need for any specific academic qualifications to be a Member of Parliament but a lawyer or a district judge needs specific educational qualifications and 10 years experience in law profession and trial activities to become an SC judge.
A lawmaker cannot be empowered to remove an SC judge who is academically more qualified, Akond said.
On September 17, Parliament passed the ‘Constitution (16th Amendment) Bill, 2014’ without any opposition, empowering Parliament to remove the Supreme Court judges for their incapacity and misconduct.
The bill was passed in Parliament by 327-0 votes as the Speaker put it in the division vote.