Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha yesterday (Thursday) urged the media not to “misquote” what he says during trial proceedings in the courtroom. “Confusion was created after my speech was distorted. This embarrassed me. I urge you (media) not to misquote,” the Chief Justice made the request while launching a book titled “Judicial Interpretation” at the Supreme Court Bar Association in Dhaka.
The CJ said: “It is not possible for me to say anything at a press conference. I'm at liberty to ask lawyers anything during the trial proceedings. You should first understand my questions. You should also understand why I have questioned the lawyers. Otherwise, you may give the wrong information. Please be careful in this regard.”
Referring to the contribution of lawyers in developing society, the CJ said: “Nowadays, we may deviate from the noble profession, which is not good for the nation.”
Citing the examples of Indian lawyer VR Krisna, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and American Chief Justice Earl Warren, the CJ said they contributed in many ways to developing society, even though they were involved in politics during their early ages.
“We, the judges, might have been involved in politics. But soon after taking oath as judge, one must quit politics to ensure justice for all,” the CJ said.
Referring to judges of the Appellate Division, High Court Division and lower courts, the CJ said: “Forget your past life. You are now justice and judges. You have a lot of work as there are only 1,500 to 1,600 judges for 16 crore people. It is your duty to ensure justice for all. If you want to join politics, give up the post of judge. If you want to conduct trial proceedings, do it neutrally.”
The CJ continued: “At the same time, I also tell lawyers, you have a lot of responsibility for society. Hence, all of you should come on a platform to establish the rule of law.”
Relating to the trial in the Bangabandhu murder case, the CJ said he was proud for being one of the judges delivering the historic verdict.
“I will write about those involved in Bangabandhu's murder and the jail killings. It was not possible to bring all the perpetrators to justice due to poor investigation as well as weakness of the prosecution team,” the CJ noted.
“In the Bangabandhu murder case, we have been able to bring 15 to 20 to justice. The criminal conspiracy was clear,” the CJ said, adding: “as a Chief Justice, I cannot tell the names of the offenders. But I will write one day where I will try to clear everything.”
Dr Kamal, who attended at programme as chief speaker, said the judiciary must be independent in an independent country. “None can take away the independence of the judiciary. You (lawyers) have to stand up, if you want to keep the independence of the judiciary. Everyone should move unitedly in order to keep the independence of the judiciary,” senior jurist Dr Kamal said.
Dr Kamal, who was one of the main authors of the Constitution, said: “I have seen many dictators in my life. Is there any power to disrespect our Constitution? If we stay united, none can take away the independence of our judiciary.”
The senior jurist also said that he is ready to sacrifice his life for the independence of the judiciary, if needed.
Dr Kamal, also president of Gono Forum, said the Constitution fixed the nature of our state as a democratic country.
“Ours is a democratic country. It is the nature of our Constitution. None can make it a kingdom. I will sacrifice my life to protect democracy, if needed,” he said.
Among others, advocate Subrata Chowdhury presided over the programme, while the Supreme Court Bar Association president, Advocate Zainul Abedin, and writer of judicial interpretation, Advocate Shanti Pada Ghosh, addressed the gathering.