High Court Issues Contempt Rule Against Bar Leaders

The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a suo motu contempt of court rule against nine prominent lawyers in Barisal, including the President and Secretary of the District Bar Association. This legal action follows allegations of a violent disturbance within the courtroom, involving the physical intimidation of a judge and the destruction of court property.

Chaos in the Courtroom

The incident, described by the Supreme Court administration as "unwanted and unintended," took place on the afternoon of 24 February at the Barisal Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court. According to official reports and video footage, a group of lawyers forcibly entered the courtroom while proceedings were underway, creating a scene of absolute pandemonium.

The unruly group allegedly engaged in:

Vandalism: Pushing and breaking court benches and other furniture.

Intimidation: Directing abusive and aggressive behaviour towards the presiding judge.

Disruption: Forcing the Magistrate to adjourn the session and retreat to his private chambers for safety.

The disruption extended beyond the courtroom, with lawyers reportedly staging demonstrations both inside and outside the premises, demanding the immediate removal of the judge.

Judicial Intervention

On Wednesday, a High Court bench comprising Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md. Asif Hasan issued the contempt rule. The court has demanded an explanation from the nine accused as to why disciplinary proceedings and subsequent punishment should not be initiated against them for their conduct.

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate originally filed an application through the Barisal Metropolitan Sessions Judge to the Registrar General of the Supreme Court, seeking legal recourse. This application, supported by a formal investigation report, served as the basis for the High Court’s intervention.

Key Individuals Cited in the Contempt Rule

Legal Consequences and Deadlines

The High Court has granted the accused a period of 10 days to submit their formal responses. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing and subsequent orders on 11 March.

Simultaneously, a criminal case has been registered by the Bench Assistant of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court under the Law and Order Disruption (Speedy Trial) Act and various sections of the Penal Code. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take swift action against those responsible for the breach of peace.

A Call for Decorum

In a press release signed by Public Relations Officer Md. Shafiqul Islam, the Supreme Court administration emphasised the need for restraint. The statement urged all members of the legal fraternity to uphold the dignity and independence of the judiciary, stressing that respectful conduct is essential for the seamless administration of justice.