The High Court (HC) yesterday issued a rule upon the government to explain why its failure to appoint Md Abdul Wahab, a former additional HC judge, as a regular judge of the court despite the then Chief Justice's positive recommendation should not be declared illegal.
Upon a writ petition filed by Abdul Wahab who lost his job about 23 years ago, the HC bench of Justice Nazmun Ara Sultana and Justice Md Rezaul Haque also asked the government to show cause why Abdul Wahab should not be considered as a confirmed judge since the date of non-confirmation of his service.
The secretary of the law, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry has been asked to reply the rule within three weeks.
The then military government of General HM Ershad appointed Abdul Wahab as additional judge of the HC on May 29, 1984 for two years but his appointment was not confirmed after the completion of the two-year period.
Abdul Wahab filed the writ petition with the HC on February 15 this year to declare illegal the then government's action of not confirming his service and to reinstate him. Hearing of the petition was held yesterday.
His counsel barrister M Amir-Ul Islam argued that his client filed the petition for getting back his dignity, not for any tangible facilities, since he has to cope with the stigma of losing his job.
He has already been above the retirement age and has nothing to get now, he said.
Additional Attorney General M Enayetur Rahim was present on behalf of the government.