Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha yesterday urged all politicians, journalists and lawyers not to make any snide remarks on the judiciary.
"As the chief justice, I am affronted by anyone making snide comments on judiciary. It's often said that there is no democracy in the country. Democracy will prevail only if the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law are upheld in the country,” he said.
Sinha was addressing a memorial programme on the occasion of the 90th birth anniversary of the late barrister Showkat Ali Khan at the Supreme Court auditorium. He was the chief guest.
The Chief Justice said the judiciary, on its own, cannot establish the rule of law and ensure its own independence. He also said lawyers need assistance to establish the rule of law. “The judiciary is playing a neutral role. Even though the 1972 constitution had lost its original standing following the intervention of the martial law regime, the judiciary has regained its original position over the years,” he noted.
“We don’t show partiality in delivering verdict. We grant bail to political leaders. But we feel affronted when a politician criticises the judiciary. I want to make it clear that democracy will prevail only if the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law are upheld in the country,” he added.  “I urge all lawyers not to criticise the judiciary. No one can tarnish the image and dignity of the judiciary through fruitless criticism,” he observed.
About the role of the media, Sinha said journalism is a noble profession. "But, in our country, it is treated as a business, which is unfortunate," he added. Citing examples of foreign countries, the Chief Justice said it was very frustrating when media outlets do not think twice before publishing reports against the judiciary to fulfill their personal interests.
“If we waste our valuable time in proceeding contempt of court cases against media outlets and journalists, then how could we dispose of thousands of cases pending before the court. I urge all to uphold the image and dignity of the judiciary,” he added.
 Appellate Division Justice Abdul Wahhab Miah, attorney general Mahbubey Alam, former speaker barrister Jamir Uddin Sircar, advocate Yusuf Hossain Humayun, former attorney general advocate Hasan Arif, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) secretary barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon, and former SCBA secretary advocate SM Rezaul Karim also spoke on the occasion.