Dhaka, Dec 03 (V7N) — The Appellate Division has concluded the hearing on the leave-to-appeal petition challenging the legality of the current interim government. A seven-member full bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, has scheduled the order for Thursday.

The hearing on Wednesday was attended by the Attorney General, Additional Attorney General, and the petitioner’s counsel. During the arguments, the Attorney General stated that the writ petition questioning the legitimacy of the interim government was filed “based on a misconception.”

Lawyers opposing the petition argued that the government formed after a mass uprising cannot have its legitimacy questioned. They noted that the Supreme Court itself oversaw the reconstitution of the government following the oath-taking, making it contradictory to challenge the same process in court.

However, the petitioner’s main contention is that the then Chief Justice and Appellate Division judges took refuge inside the cantonment on August 5 amid the mass uprising. Because of this, he argues, they were unable to provide the President with a reference opinion under Article 106 of the Constitution, thereby rendering the oath-taking and formation of the government unconstitutional.

The writ petition was filed in December last year by senior lawyer Mohsin Rashid, but the High Court dismissed it, rejecting the arguments presented.

END/SMA/AJ