The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has issued a firm warning to media organisations and individuals, stating that the publication or circulation of false, misleading, or unverified news concerning the country’s apex court may result in contempt of court proceedings under existing laws.
The warning was formally conveyed through a notification signed by Registrar General Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqui, which was released on Monday and subsequently published on the official website of the Supreme Court. The notice underscores the judiciary’s growing concern over the spread of inaccurate information and its potential to undermine public confidence in the judicial system.
Titled “On the Importance of Upholding Professional Standards and Ensuring Objective and Accurate Reporting in Media Coverage of the Supreme Court,” the notification highlights several recent instances in which sections of the media disseminated erroneous reports. These reports claimed that a senior judge of the Appellate Division had gone on leave due to dissatisfaction over the appointment of the Chief Justice in alleged violation of seniority principles, while a judge of the High Court Division was said to have withdrawn from judicial duties after not being assigned to a bench.
The Supreme Court has categorically refuted these claims, describing them as entirely false, misleading, and deeply regrettable. According to the notification, such reporting not only distorts facts but also damages the dignity, credibility, and institutional integrity of the nation’s highest court.
The statement further emphasises that the dissemination of untrue or distorted information about the Supreme Court constitutes an act of contempt of court, as it misleads the public and erodes trust in judicial processes. The Registrar General noted that these situations could have been avoided had journalists verified the accuracy of their information with the Supreme Court Registry prior to publication.
Clarifying the actual circumstances, the notification explains that Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam of the Appellate Division is currently on leave due to his mother’s illness. Meanwhile, Justice Farid Ahmed of the High Court Division is temporarily unable to participate in court proceedings as he is undergoing medical treatment following hospitalisation. The Supreme Court stressed that these absences bear no connection whatsoever to the narratives circulated in the media.
In its concluding remarks, the Supreme Court has formally instructed all media professionals to verify any news related to the judiciary with the designated Media Focal Person or the Registrar General’s Office before dissemination. Failure to comply, the notice warns, will render the responsible individuals or organisations liable to face contempt proceedings in accordance with the law.
Key Facts at a Glance :
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Supreme Court of Bangladesh |
| Signatory | Registrar General Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqui |
| Date of Notice | Monday |
| Core Warning | False or misleading reporting may lead to contempt of court |
| Appellate Division Judge | Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam (on leave due to mother’s illness) |
| High Court Division Judge | Justice Farid Ahmed (hospitalised due to illness) |
| Media Directive | Mandatory verification before publishing court-related news |
| Legal Consequence | Contempt of court proceedings |