Pro-ruling party lawyers appointed prosecutors

Lawyers loyal to the ruling government are now being appointed as assistant public prosecutors (APP) in every district instead of the prominent ones, observed Chief Justice SK Sinha yesterday.

“Earlier, in every district, famous and renowned lawyers used to be appointed as APP in criminal cases. This post was dignified. The system continued for a long time. But it's not being implemented now-a-days,” he said.

“Now [appointment of] APP means a panel list made by the ruling party, whoever in power, none from outside is appointed. Earlier, four to five prominent lawyers were in such panels. I'm not criticising eminent lawyers. This is an ethical question. We are losing tradition. If we can maintain this tradition, those who are not getting proper judgment will get served in a better way,” the CJ added.

He made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at a programme on “Meeting with panel lawyers of Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee and unveiling covers of publications,” in the Supreme Court's auditorium in the capital, jointly organised by Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee and Manshuer Jonno Foundation (MJF).

For providing legal aid services, now panel lawyers are being appointed, the CJ said. “How much are these lawyers giving services, it is also a question,” he observed.

“When prominent lawyers defend against these panel lawyers in the concerned cases, there's no balance indeed,” Sinha said.

“I'm not saying this to hurt anybody. Prominent and experienced lawyers defend one side while somehow not famous or inexperienced ones defend the other, which is not balanced. The government funded money is being spent but the deprived people are not getting due justice. This has made me worried,” he added.

The CJ stressed training for the panel lawyers and sought everybody concerned in the legal aid services to work properly to ensure justice for the hapless. He also announced to create a fund to appoint the prominent lawyers who can defend the deprived.

Sinha urged the media to work in this regard to make people aware of the legal aid services. Mentioning his recent bitter experiences at Juvenile Correction Centre in Gazipur, he said the law enforcement agencies are violating norms in some cases.

Earlier, Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee Chairman Justice M Enayetur Rahim said legal aid services should be available to all, even for those who are not entitled to pay income taxes.

MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam also echoed him and said her organisation is working to ensure rights of the underprivileged people.

But the CJ disagreed and said the legal aid services should not be open to all because many people have crores of money but do not pay income taxes.

SC Bar Association's President Yusuf Hossain Humayun and National Legal Aid Services Organization Director (in-charge) Mostafizur Rahman also spoke.