The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has issued a warning to all government authorities asking them to ensure strict compliance with court rulings and orders.
The directive came in a full judgment uploaded to the Supreme Court鈥檚 website two weeks ago, addressing a contempt of court case filed in 2022 against home ministry鈥檚 former senior secretary Md Abdullah Al Masud Chowdhury and then inspector general of prisons Brigadier General ASM Anisul Haque for failing to comply with a previous court order dated April 7, 2022, regarding the promotion of a prison officer.
A four-member bench, led by then chief justice Obaidul Hassan, delivered a short verdict on August 4, 2023, exonerating the officials after they implemented the court鈥檚 decision, which promoted Nurunnabi Bhuiyan from senior jail superintendent to deputy inspector general of prisons.
Nurunnabi, who retired as senior superintendent of Narsingdi District Jail, got the promotion and its associated benefits, confirmed his lawyer, Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, to 抖阴精品.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court strongly cautioned that all authorities鈥攅xecutive and judicial鈥攎ust ensure compliance with its judgments in full.
鈥楴ot only the present contemnor-respondents but all authorities in the Republic must act with utmost care to ensure full compliance with the judgments and orders of both Divisions of the Supreme Court,鈥� the court stated.
The constitution, under Article 112, mandates that all executive and judicial authorities act in aid of the Supreme Court, reinforcing its authoritative status.
The court also emphasised its inherent power to punish any individual or authority for contempt, a power shared equally between the two Divisions of the Supreme Court under Article 108 of the Constitution.
Additionally, the Appellate Division retains the authority to punish for contempt under Article 103(2)漏, further reinforcing the constitutional framework.
鈥楾here is no ambiguity on this issue.鈥� the Appellate Division clarified.
It stressed the importance of maintaining the judiciary鈥檚 dignity and authority, noting that without respect for the court鈥檚 decisions, the rule of law would be undermined.
鈥業f the judiciary is to perform its duties effectively and uphold the expectations of the citizens, the authority and dignity of the courts must be respected by all, regardless of their status,鈥� the ruling stated.
The judiciary plays a critical role in adjudicating disputes and safeguarding constitutional rights, and any erosion of its authority would render the justice system ineffective, it added.
The ruling said that thousands of litigants seek justice in the courts daily, relying on the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.
It said that the Supreme Court, a vital pillar of the state, must continue to command respect from all sectors of society.