HC asks govt why Hasina's trial not illegal
The High Court (HC) yesterday issued a rule asking the authorities to explain within eight days why continuation of trial proceedings of the barge-mounted power plant corruption case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina should not be declared illegal.
After hearing a writ petition filed by Hasina, an HC bench comprising Justice Md Iman Ali and Justice Emdadul Haque fixed May 20 for hearing on the rule.
The government, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Special Court-1 on the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban premises trying the case are respondents in the rule.
Hasina's counsel Barrister Rafique-ul Huq yesterday submitted before the HC that as per Section 6(A) of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 1958, trail proceedings of any criminal case have to be completed within 60 days after a court takes it (case) into cognisance. But in this the special court did not do so.
"The Special Court took this case into cognisance for trial on January 13 this year, and the period of 60 days has already passed. That is why trial proceedings of this case have become functus officio (infructuous), and no court now has jurisdiction to try the case," he said.
The Awami League chief on Sunday filed the writ petition challenging legality of trial proceedings of the case filed by the ACC. Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh filed the case on behalf of her.
Comments