Chief Justice Sinha goes on leave amid row over constitutional amendment

Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha is going on a month's leave amid a continuing row over his verdict that cancelled the 16th constitutional amendment.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam confirmed his decision to bdnews24.com on Monday, a day before the Supreme Court is set to open after a one-month break.

Some of the chief justice's observations in the verdict that took away parliament's powers to sack judges have antagonised stalwarts in the ruling Awami League. 

Pro-Awami League lawyers had threatened to start a campaign against Sinha after the end of the court's vacation phase.

The chief justice asked for a one-month leave from President Md Abdul Hamid, effective from Tuesday, the day the court is set to open.

"As far as I know, he (Chief Justice Sinha) is going on leave from tomorrow."

The President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin refused to comment when approached by bdnews24.com.  

Justice Md Abdul Wahhab Miah, the most senior among appellate judges after Sinha, will carry out the duties of the chief justice in his absence.

Sinha, who had on various occasions pulled up the government for “undermining” the judiciary, has three months left in office before his retirement.