DHAKA: Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha said that the judiciary has kept enough patience against criticism till now.

He made the remarks while holding hearing on the gazette publication for lower court judges’ discipline and code of conduct on Sunday (Aug 20).

A six member appeal bench led by Chief Justice SK Sinha extended the time for gazette publication till October 8 after granting a time seeking plea filed by Attorney General Mahbubey Alam.

During the hearing, CJ told Attorney General, “as per the last hearing, you (Law Minster and others) were supposed to discuss with us about this issue but you did not. We are all justices here of the Supreme Court’s appellate division. Why not discuss with us?”

CJ continued, “You say one thing to media and another in court. I am not speaking to you Attorney General, I am speaking to you as a whole. You have made a storm in the media but we have not said anything in return.”

CJ finally said, “I am extending time till October 8 for government to publish the code of conduct for lower court judges as you (attorney general) sought in the plea.”

“We (the judiciary) is keeping enough patience criticism. Even in Pakistan, the Supreme Court disqualified its Prime Minister and there was no discussion or criticism afterwards. So in here we need more maturity.”

Earlier on Aug 6, the Supreme Court granted two weeks to government for holding discussion on the gazette determining the discipline and code of conduct for lower court judges. However, no such discussion was held between Law ministry and SC judges.

On December 12 last year, the court had asked the authorities concerned to issue the gazette by January 15. The deadline was extended several times since then.

BDST: 1510 HRS, AUG 20, 2017
AP