The High Court has removed from its cause list a writ petition filed by National Citizen Party (NCP) Joint Convener Monira Sharmin challenging the cancellation of her candidacy for a reserved women’s seat in parliament, after a judge expressed reluctance to hear the matter.
The petition was presented for hearing on Monday before a bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar. It has been learned that one of the judges comes from the same area as Monira Sharmin’s ancestral village, prompting the court to recuse itself.
Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal represented the state during the hearing. Senior lawyers Md Ahsanul Karim and Md Mostafizur Rahman Khan appeared for the petitioner.
The petition was later presented before another High Court bench, which set Tuesday as the date for hearing.
On 30 April, Monira Sharmin filed the writ petition challenging the Election Commission’s decision to cancel her candidacy for a reserved women’s seat.
The Returning Officer had cancelled the NCP leader’s nomination papers on 23 April, stating that according to the Representation of the People Order, 1972, three years had not yet passed since her resignation from government employment, making her ineligible to contest the election.
Monira Sharmin appealed against the decision to the Election Commission on 26 April, but the EC rejected the appeal after a hearing, prompting her to move the High Court.
