Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan Mamun has applied to the chief justice seeking directions to replace the address “My Lord” with “Your Highness” or another acceptable term for Muslim lawyers practising in the Appellate Division and High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court.
He submitted the application on Thursday through the Registrar General of the Supreme Court.
In his application, Mahmudul Hasan Mamun said that the religious beliefs, self-respect, and constitutional rights of Muslim lawyers practising in the Appellate Division and High Court Division of the Supreme Court must be taken into consideration.
Citing Article 41(1)(a) of the Constitution, he noted that every citizen has the fundamental right to profess, practise, and propagate any religion, subject to law, public order, and morality. He maintained that the right to uphold religious faith and belief (aqidah) is protected by the supreme law of the state.
The application highlighted that Tauhid forms the foundation of basic Islamic belief, according to which Allah is the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Therefore, addressing any human being or earthly entity as ‘Lord’ or ‘Master’ conflicts with the religious faith of a Muslim.
Highlighting the historical context of the region’s judicial system, the lawyer noted that addressing judges as “My Lord” was not prevalent during Hindu and Muslim rule. The practice was introduced during British colonial rule following the establishment of East India Company rule in 1757.
In his view, this form of address is not part of the region’s indigenous judicial tradition, but rather a legacy of colonial rule.
The application further pointed out that judges of the Appellate Division and High Court Division of the Supreme Court are currently addressed as ”My Lord”. The literal meaning of the phrase is “my lord” or “my master”, which the applicant contended directly contradicts the Tauhid-based faith of Muslim lawyers.
He argued that this form of address also infringes upon the right to religious freedom guaranteed under Article 41 of the Constitution.
Pointing out that judges in subordinate courts are addressed as “Your Honour”, the applicant suggested that addressing Supreme Court judges as “Your Highness” would be appropriate to match their dignity and solemnity.
He maintained that this would preserve the respect due to judges while upholding the religious beliefs and constitutional rights of Muslim lawyers.
Taking historical, religious, and moral aspects into consideration, he requested the Chief Justice to take necessary measures to issue an administrative decision or circular allowing the use of “Your Highness” or another suitable term instead of “My Lord” for Muslim lawyers practising in the Appellate Division and High Court Division of the Supreme Court.
