The Judiciary Reform Commission today (Feb 5) in its report recommended setting up a permanent bench of the High Court in every divisional city by amending Article 100 of the constitution. 

Besides, the commission also recommended setting up judicial magistrate court at the upazila level.

Judiciary Reform Commission head Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman submitted the reports at the CA’s residence, Jamuna, in the capital.

The summary of the reform proposal on "decentralization of courts" recommended amending Article 100 of the Constitution to establish permanent benches of the High Court Division in each divisional headquarters outside the capital. 

However, the commission underscored that the full jurisdiction and indivisibility of the High Court Division must be maintained, ensuring that these permanent benches do not create any geographical limitations on the court’s authority across the country. 

The reform commission also emphasized that the unitary nature of the state must remain intact.

Regarding courts at the upazila (sub-district) level, the proposal suggests considering factors such as the geographical location and characteristics of upazila headquarters, distance and transportation facilities from district headquarters, population density and distribution, and case load when setting up Senior Assistant Judge and First-Class Judicial Magistrate courts in different upazilas.

Notably, Article 100 of the Constitution states that "The permanent seat of the Supreme Court shall be in the capital. However, with the President’s approval, the Chief Justice may determine other locations where sessions of the High Court Division may be held from time to time."

BDST: 1911 HRS, FEB 05, 2025
MSK