Advisers approve Mobile Court Ordinance '07

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FE Report
The council of advisers Sunday approved the proposed Mobile Court Ordinance 2007, providing the executive magistrates with some specific judicial power.
A rescheduled meeting of the advisers with the Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed gave the approval, an official handout said.
The ordinance will come into effect from November 1, the deadline set for the much-talked-about separation of the Judiciary from the Executive.
An inter-ministerial meeting recently recommended to keep some judicial powers for the executive magistrates even after the separation of the Judiciary, following a strong opposition from the administration cadre officials over the proposed separation move.
The new ordinance will allow the executive magistrates to perform some judicial duties like conduction of mobile courts, imposition of section 144, and inspection of examination centres etc.
Under the ordinance, no punishment could be given, except fine, it mentioned.
It, however, said, "If fines cannot be realised voluntarily, then imprisonment for not more than three months without rigour can be awarded to the accused."
The district magistrates and executive magistrates would get police and law-enforcing help, if they need it in discharging their duties.
An executive magistrate will also have the power of search and seizure as well as destroying hazardous perishable items.
The accused can file appeal to the sessions judge, it added.