SC allows appeal against HC verdict on 15th amendment

The Appellate Division has granted permission to appeal against the High Court verdict that declared several provisions of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, including the abolition of the caretaker government system, as illegal.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order on Thursday (November 13).

Lawyer Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan appeared for the petitioner, while Additional Attorney General Barrister Aneek R Haque represented the state.

Earlier, on November 3, Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan filed a leave-to-appeal petition on behalf of Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJON), challenging the High Court verdict and seeking the annulment of the entire 15th Amendment.

On December 17 last year, the High Court declared several sections of the 15th Amendment illegal, including the annulment of the caretaker government system, while restoring the constitutional provision for referendums.

However, the court did not strike down the amendment in its entirety, observing that the next Parliament may revise, amend, or modify the remaining provisions based on public opinion.