The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The Council of Advisers of the caretaker government Sunday gave its final approval to the Mobile Court Ordinance 2007 empowering government officials or executive magistrates to deal with some criminal cases.

Allocation of the limited judicial jurisdiction to the admin officials is aimed at "maintaining law and order by preventing crimes effectively and more efficiently", according to statement on objective of the new legal measure. A meeting of the council of advisers chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed gave the final approval to The Mobile Court Ordinance vesting limited authority in government officials or executive magistrates of awarding punishment in some crimes on the basis of instant spot evidence through conducting mobile court.

The New Ordinance will be effective from November 1, 2007, the day when the landmark event of separation of the judiciary from the executive control takes place. The Ordinance was approved in principle in the council's meeting on Saturday.

Under the new ordinance no punishment could be given, except for fine. But there is a condition that "if fines can not be realized voluntarily, then imprisonment for not more than three months without rigor can awarded to the accused". The district magistrates and executive magistrates would get police and law-enforcing help if they need in discharging their duties.

An executive magistrate has the power of search and seizure as well as destroying hazardous perishable items.

The accused can file appeal to the sessions Judge.

Members of the Council of Advisers attended themeeting at the CA's office. Cabinet Secretary, CA's press Secretary and other Secretaries concerned were also present.