ZCZC
BSS-13
SC-GAZETTE-FF
SC upholds HC order declaring gazette on FF’s minimum age illegal
DHAKA, June 23, 2019 (BSS) – The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) today upheld a High Court (HC) order that declared illegal an amended gazette notification determining minimum age of Freedom Fighters (FFs) 12 years six months till November 30, 1971.
A four-member apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed “no order” as it held hearing on a state plea to stay the High Court order.
“As a result of this order, the High Court direction will be in effect for the time being,” Barrister ABM Altaf Hossain, who moved a writ filed in this regard, told newsmen.
Earlier on June 19, Chamber Judge of Appellate Division Justice Md Nuruzzaman sent the matter to Appellate Division full bench for further hearing today.
The High Court on May 19 declared illegal the amended gazette notification.
A High Court division bench comprising Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif and Justice Razik-Al-Jalil passed the order, disposing of a rule issued earlier in this regard.
The High Court in its order also declared unconstitutional the definition of a “valiant Freedom Fighter” by setting up an age limit by section 2.11 of Freedom Fighters’ Welfare Trust Act.
The High Court earlier issued the rule asking the concerned authorities to explain why the amended gazette notification shall not be declared beyond legal authority.
The court had asked Liberation War Affairs Ministry, its secretary, joint secretary, power and energy secretary, finance secretary, Jatiya Muktijoddha Command Council director general and director general of Department of Geological Survey to respond.
BSS/DA/TRAN/MHR/SMM/1635 hrs