JS passes bill on contempt of court

Parliament yesterday passed a bill on contempt of court with provisions for protection of on-duty government officials from the charge.
The president is expected sign the bill into law.
Placed on June 14, 2011, the bill gives a definition of contempt of court to dispel confusions. It defines two types of contempt of court--civil and criminal.
The bill was proposed by Law Minister Shafique Ahmed.
It says as cases of contempt of court are filed against individuals, the accused government officials have to personally bear all expenses for fighting the cases, including lawyers' fees and court fees.
Neutral and objective reporting on judicial proceedings and publishing comments on the merits of a case after its final disposal will not be considered contempt of court, it adds.
FOUR BILLS PLACED
The law minister yesterday tabled two bills in parliament seeking special provisions to continue the operations of at least 166 ordinances promulgated during two martial law regimes led by Ziaur Rahman and HM Ershad.
The ordinances have ceased to have effectiveness after cancellation and deletion of the fifth and seventh amendments through 15th amendment to the constitution in June 2011. The minister said they needed continuation as many actions were done and being done in line with the ordinances.
Shafique placed another bill seeking amendment to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker (Remuneration and Privileges) Act 1974 to increase the speaker's discretionary fund to Tk 45 lakh from Tk 10 lakh.
Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury placed a bill for amendment to the President's (Remuneration and Privileges) Act 1975 to raise his discretionary fund to Tk 2 crore from Tk 1 crore.