HC passes split order on Article 70

Staff Correspondent:  A two-member High Court bench on Monday passed split order on a writ petition that challenged legality of Article 70 of the constitution, regarding cancellation of membership of a lawmaker for voting against his or her political party.

Senior judge of the HC bench Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury issued a rule asking the government why Article 70 should not be declared unconstitutional.

On the other hand, junior judge Justice Md Ashraful Kamal summarily rejected the writ petition.

According to Article 70, a lawmaker loses his or her seat if he or she votes in parliament against the party that nominated him or her.

Advocate Eunus Ali Akond submitted the writ petition with the HC, challenging the legality of Article 70, saying that it is against democracy and contradicts several articles of the constitution.

risingbd/Jan 15, 2018/Mehadi/Mukul