The president has directed the Supreme Judicial Council to investigate allegations of misconduct against several High Court judges, according to a statement posted on the Supreme Court鈥檚 website on Monday.
The statement noted that the chief justice-led council would commence inquiries next week.
The president鈥檚 directive follows the SJC鈥檚 submission of allegations involving some of the 12 High Court judges who were temporarily excluded from judicial duties from October 21, 2024, amid student-led protests against perceived judicial bias.
On November 8, 2024, the Supreme Court issued a press release confirming that the SJC had initiated a review of information regarding these judges after holding several meetings.
The SJC, re-established following the Appellate Division鈥檚 landmark ruling on the 16th amendment case, is chaired by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, with Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury as members.
The council is tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct or incapacity against Supreme Court judges.
The council鈥檚 revival stems from an October 19, 2024, judgment by a six-member bench led by the chief justice, which reinstated the constitutional provision for the SJC. This ruling resolved a decade-long legal debate over the judicial removal process, granting the council authority to recommend the removal of judges for misconduct or incapacity.
As per Article 96 of the constitution, if credible information from the council or other sources suggests that a judge is unable to perform their duties due to physical or mental incapacity, or has engaged in gross misconduct, the president may instruct the council to investigate. Upon completing the inquiry, if the council finds the allegations valid, the president is mandated to order the judge鈥檚 removal from office.
