The Supreme Court administration has issued a stern warning that any future publication or dissemination of false, misleading, or untrue information concerning the Supreme Court will invite legal action on grounds of contempt of court.
The warning was issued through a notification signed by Supreme Court Registrar General Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqui on Monday.
The notification directed media professionals to verify the accuracy, objectivity, and authenticity of any news related to the Bangladesh Supreme Court with the court's designated Media Focal Person or the Office of the Registrar General before publication or broadcast. It stated that individuals or institutions found publishing or circulating false or misleading information would be held legally accountable for actions amounting to contempt of court.
Referring to recent media reports, the Supreme Court administration said "false news" had been published across several platforms, including television scrolls. The reports claimed that a senior judge of the Appellate Division and a judge of the High Court Division had gone on leave due to the appointment of the Chief Justice in violation of seniority and the alleged non-formation of benches.
The notification categorically rejected these claims, describing them as "completely untrue, misleading, and very sad." It warned that the dissemination of such misinformation creates public confusion about the country's highest court and "tarnishes the dignity and image of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh." The administration further stated that the circulation of untrue or misleading information about the apex court is "tantamount to contempt of court."
The Registrar General noted that the situation could have been avoided had the concerned media outlets verified the information with the Supreme Court Registry prior to publication or broadcast.
Clarifying the factual position, the notification stated that Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam of the Appellate Division is on leave due to his mother's illness, while Justice Farid Ahmed of the High Court Division is currently unable to participate in judicial proceedings as he is hospitalized due to illness. It emphasized that these circumstances have "nothing to do with the news reported in the media," reiterating the need for responsible and accurate reporting on judicial affairs.
