Justice Khizir Hayat removed from HC over misconduct

Justice Khizir Hayat has been removed from the High Court Division of the Supreme Court following a recommendation by the Supreme Judicial Council over allegations of misconduct. The Law Ministry issued a gazette notification on Wednesday night confirming his removal.

The notification, signed by Secretary Sheikh Abu Taher at the president's order, stated that the president of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, under Article 96 (6) of the Constitution, removed Justice Khizir Hayat from the Supreme Court's High Court Division, effective from 18 March. Supreme Court sources indicated that the decision was based on findings by the Chief Justice-led council.

Khizir Hayat was appointed as an additional High Court judge on 31 May 2018 under the Awami League government, with his position regularised in 2020. He was among 12 High Court judges temporarily removed from judicial duties on 20 October 2024, following student protests demanding the resignation of "partisan, corrupt, and fascist-aligned judges."

Justice Hayat was also part of the High Court bench that delivered the verdict restoring the 30% quota for children of freedom fighters in government jobs on 5 June. This verdict sparked nationwide protests by university students opposing the quota system for government jobs.