DCs seek judicial clarity, quicker case disposal
Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Monday instructed the deputy commissioners to take firm measures in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety and upholding judicial directives.
Addressing a session on the second day of the three-day DC conference at the Supreme Court Auditorium, the chief justice underscored the vital role of the district administrators in implementing court orders.
鈥楢rticle 112 of the Constitution mandates all executive and judicial authorities to support the Supreme聽 Court and comply with its orders. No government directive, circular or notification can override or delay a Supreme Court order,鈥� he said.
Highlighting the interdependence of the judiciary and administration at the district level, he stated that while judiciary and administration have distinct functions, they are fundamentally linked in ensuring governance and justice.
鈥榊ou serve as the bridge between the executive authority and people, carrying the delicate task of maintaining law and order, overseeing development and upholding the dignity of the state,鈥� he told the DCs.
The chief justice reiterated the importance of collaboration between the administration and the judiciary, particularly in ensuring the prisoners鈥� rights, lawful detention and adherence to human rights standards in correctional facilities. He also called for regular inspections to prevent overcrowding, facilitate timely bail releases and strengthen accountability in the prison system.
On judicial reforms, he highlighted that since August 2024, the judiciary had been working on an internal policy blueprint, contributing to an evolving legal framework aimed at ensuring institutional independence.
Cabinet Division secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Supreme Court registrar general Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, Sylhet divisional commissioner Khan Md Reza-Un Nabi, Natore deputy commissioner Asma Shahin, and Jessore deputy commissioner Azharul Islam also spoke at the session on behalf of the DCs.
Sylhet divisional commissioner Khan Md Reza-Un Nabi urged the chief justice to issue guidelines ensuring that administrative officers were not personally held liable for actions taken in good faith while performing government duties. He stressed that officials should be given the right to defend themselves before facing legal action.
He also called for faster disposal of the government-related cases, pointing out that the DCs represent the state in civil disputes over government property. To reduce case backlogs, he suggested strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, promoting arbitration and Salish, and expanding speedy trial processes and virtual court operations.
Jessore deputy commissioner highlighted the legal risks executive magistrates face when operating mobile courts, particularly that of being accused of contempt of the Supreme Court.
He noted that young officers overseeing eviction drives as part of their additional duties often lack clarity on whether Supreme Court injunctions apply to certain properties, leaving them vulnerable to legal and professional consequences.
To address this, he proposed that district courts publish hearing dates, orders and verdicts on their websites, similar to the Supreme Court system, to improve access to judicial directives.
Additionally, he called for more effective district case coordination committees to ensure timely witness appearance, preservation of investigation reports, and streamlining of case proceedings.
Natore deputy commissioner Asma Shahin urged the chief justice to ensure that the DCs receive court orders and circulars directly, as delays in communication hinder implementation. She proposed introducing a hotline for the swift dissemination of Supreme Court orders and verdicts to ensure their timely execution.
