Draft of \\\'Mobile Court (Amendment) Act 2015\\\' approved
Monday, 22 June 2015
A draft to amend the existing laws for functioning of mobile courts has been cleared by the Cabinet. The amendment will allow courts to punish offenders based on witness testimonies—and even if the accused does not plead guilty. Under the present law, a mobile court can only punish someone who pleads guilty. Monday’s regular Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina okayed the draft of ‘Mobile Court (Amendment) Act 2015’. Cabinet Secretary Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan told the media that it was approved upon vetting from the law ministry. The amendment adds three new elements, said Bhuiyan, “It will enable courts to take a call after considering the facts and witnesses. “The second addition is bringing information and communication technology issues under the purview of mobile courts,” said the Cabinet secretary. It will also allow executive magistrates to take expert opinions for mobile court proceedings, according to a news agency.