Steps taken to safeguard judicial independence

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Friday said measures have been taken to safeguard independence and integrity of the country's judicial system.
He said this while addressing a programme organised by the Rajshahi University Law Alumni Association (RULAA) at the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
The Chief Justice further said, "As part of my steadfast commitment to institutional reforms and strengthening the independence of the judiciary, I have taken decisive steps to establish the foundations for true separation of powers. I have declared and initiated the process of creating a separate Secretariat for the Judiciary, a pivotal measure to ensure the judiciary's administrative autonomy."
He stated that he has proposed the formation of a Judicial Appointment Council to institutionalie transparency and meritocracy in the appointment process of apex court judges, as well as posting and transfer guidelines for district judiciaries, aimed at fostering consistency and fairness in judicial postings.
These proposals have been formally submitted to the government for necessary action, marking a significant step toward the complete institutional separation of the judiciary from the executive branch, he said.
He further said, "Moreover, in reinforcing the judiciary's independence from the legislative branch, we have restored and strengthened the Supreme Judicial Council following the disposal of the 16th Amendment review case. This pivotal move effectively eliminates the provision for Parliament to impeach Supreme Court judges, ensuring that the judiciary remains free from undue political influence."
"These measures collectively embody a holistic vision for safeguarding the independence and integrity of our judicial system, reflecting our firm commitment to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law," he added. The Chief Justice attended the programme as the chief guest with Senior Advocate Badruddoza Badol in the chair.

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