SC summons two law ministry secys

The Supreme Court yesterday summoned two law ministry secretaries, asking them to appear before it on December 12 for not complying with its order about framing the rules determining the job disciplines of the lower court judges.

The apex court asked Attorney General Mahbubey Alam to ensure the presence of Law and Justice Division Secretary ASSM Zahirul Haque and Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Mohammad Shahidul Haque for explanations.

The eight-member full bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice SK Sinha passed the order during hearing the Masdar Hossain case, known as judiciary separation case.

Earlier, the SC had ordered the law ministry several times to finalise the rules but it had sought time from the SC. The judiciary has been held captive as action cannot be taken due to shortage of the rules in case any judicial officer violates disciplines, the SC had said, adding that some lower court judges have been involved in corruption and anomalies and have gone beyond disciplines, but steps cannot be taken against them.