Writ challenges govt circular cutting security for judges, attorney general

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court challenging the legality of a government circular that reduced security arrangements for Supreme Court judges, the attorney general and other officials associated with the judiciary.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir filed the petition on behalf of 10 individuals on Sunday (September 13), naming the senior secretary of the Home Ministry as the respondent.

The petition seeks cancellation of a circular issued by the Home Ministry on August 27, bearing memo No. 44.00.0000.044.01.014.2025-361. The petitioners contend that the circular conflicts with the existing Warrant of Precedence and is inconsistent with a judgment of the Appellate Division in the case of Bangladesh vs Ataur Rahman and others.

According to the petition, the government had issued a similar circular on March 2, 2025. After its legality was challenged, the High Court issued Suo Motu Rule No. 3 of 2025 on March 6, staying its operation and directing the authorities to ensure security for Supreme Court judges, the attorney general, additional attorneys general and relevant judicial officials. The circular was subsequently withdrawn on March 9.

The petitioners argue that the latest circular was issued despite the earlier court directions and existing legal position, undermining the security and dignity of the judiciary and violating judicial independence, separation of powers and the Constitution’s basic structure.

They have sought a stay on the circular’s operation, a declaration that it was issued without lawful authority and has no legal effect, and directions to restore the previous security arrangements for Supreme Court judges, the attorney general and other relevant judicial officials.