15 HC judges barred from judicial duties: Lawyer seeks info under RTI

The article highlights a critical intersection between legal transparency and judicial administration in Bangladesh. A lawyer utilized the Right to Information Act to demand clarity on the exclusion of fifteen High Court judges from their duties. This action underscores the power of open data mechanisms in holding public institutions accountable, particularly when judicial decisions lack immediate public justification. By seeking statutory responses, citizens can challenge opaque administrative actions that affect the functioning of the judiciary. The exclusions stem from complex political pressures following recent government changes, with some judges barred due to past inquiries and others due to student protests demanding the removal of perceived partisan officials. The Supreme Court administration has not fully disclosed the reasons, citing ongoing scrutiny by the Supreme Judicial Council. This situation illustrates how political transitions can disrupt judicial continuity and create information asymmetries that ordinary citizens must actively combat through legal channels. This case is highly relevant to open data because it demonstrates the practical necessity of accessible governmental information. Without mandatory disclosure, the reasons for removing judges remain hidden, potentially undermining public trust in the legal system. It emphasizes that open data rights are essential tools for ensuring transparency in sensitive judicial appointments and exclusions, allowing society to verify that administrative decisions are based on valid legal grounds rather than political expediency.

Source: thedailystar.net
Published on 2024-11-12