Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has said that the court is always open to students protesting the quota system in government jobs and suggested the students present their demands through legal channels instead of addressing the executive branch.

He said this during an appeal hearing on Thursday regarding a previous High Court verdict that provided 16 recommendations to Parliament for eradicating corruption.

"Why are the quota agitators addressing the executive branch? Any decision by the executive can be challenged in court. The court's doors are always open for them (students)," Chief Justice Hassan said.

He also said that the protesters could present their demands through lawyers, assuring that the court would consider them seriously.

During the hearing, lawyer Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol said that the High Court had provided 16 recommendations in the country's interest to eradicate corruption. 

In response, the Chief Justice questioned whether the court could advise Parliament, clarifying that the High Court can only direct the government.

As the hearing continued, the Chief Justice told Barrister Kajol, "You are leaders of the Supreme Court Bar. You have a responsibility to the country. Advise those protesting (students) against the quota system. The court's doors are always open for them."

Earlier, the Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division had stayed a High Court verdict that included 16 recommendations to Parliament for forming an independent cadre service for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to build a corruption-free nation.

BDST: 1555 HRS, JULY 11, 2024
MN/SMS