Verdict on ex-judge Joynul Abedin tomorrow

The High Court will deliver its verdict tomorrow on the rule issued over the legality of the Supreme Court administration’s letter to the Anti-Corruption Commission about former Appellate Division judge Md Joynul Abedin.

The HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Shahidul Karim today fixed the date for delivering the verdict as it concluded hearing on the rule on October 31.

During the hearing, the HC heard expert opinions from three amici curiae (friends of court) -- advocates Zainul Abedin, Prabir Neogi and AM Aminuddin.

The letter had said it would not be appropriate for the ACC to take action against Justice Md Joynul Abedin, a former apex court judge who went on retirement on December 31, 2009.

On October 9, the HC issued the rule asking the then SC registrar general, the then additional registrar, Justice Joynul and the ACC chairman to explain as to why the letter should not be declared illegal.

SC lawyer Badiuzzaman Tafader placed a copy of the letter before the HC bench for necessary order.

The ACC on March 2 sent a letter to the SC's registrar general's office, asking for documents regarding the service, salaries and relevant benefits received by Justice Joynul for conducting an enquiry into his wealth.

In response, the SC administration on March 28 sent the letter, signed by the then Additional Registrar of the Appellate Division of the SC Arunav Chakraborty, to the anti-graft watchdog, saying that if action is taken against the former SC judge, it will call into question all the verdicts he delivered.