Hasina terms SC verdict on warrant of precedence unethical

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina vented her frustration at the Supreme Court's recent verdict on the warrant of precedence elevating the judges' positions, saying the judgement is "biased and unethical".

She told parliament on Wednesday that it is unfair that the judges themselves raised their own status in the official hierarchy.

"A judgement of this kind is partial," the prime minister said adding that it has "created a state of complete disorder".

"Every sector is guided by certain rules and regulations. Our constitution says all are servants of the Republic. The state should be run with proper functioning of three pillars -- the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive. If anyone comes out with an announcement all of a sudden, it creates chaos [in society]," Hasina said.

She pointed out that it would be unfortunate if the higher court plays a role that hampers the harmony between state organs. "I hope the judges will realise it, It is completely unethical for any court to promote itself or to benefit unilaterally," she expressed her opinion while responding to a supplementary question.

The premier regretted that she was stunned to see the judgement, which ensured higher positions of the judges in the warrant of precedence whereas the constitution has specified the status of all concerned.

"If this becomes a precedent, everyone [from respective quarters] will try to take advantage of the situation," the leader of the House said.

She recalled the issue of increase in the salary of judges earlier and said the government somehow settled the matter after a commission had raised the pay package.

Sheikh Hasina added: "If a district judge is equal to a secretary [of a ministry], what will be the status of the higher court judges? I fear it may surpass the president's status at one stage."

She, however, mentioned that the law minister and others concerned are discussing the matter to find out a solution.

On 6 January, the Supreme Court disposed of an appeal by the government against a High Court judgment on the warrant of precedence, placing the chief Justice’s position at number three along with the speaker of parliament from number four.

According to the order, the judges of the Appellate Division will be upgraded to the position of the full minister instead of the state

minister while judges of the High Court get the status of the state minister.