Gulam Rabbani :
The concerned writ petitioners are taking initiatives for holding hearing on a rule issued by the High Court earlier upon the government to explain in four weeks as to why they should not be directed to take actions against 13 clubs for their unlawful business and indoor games of cards, dice and housie in exchange of money.
Barrister Redwan Ahmed Ranjib, who appeared in the court on behalf of the writ petitioners, said, “We are taking preparation for holding hearing on the rule issued by the High Court over gambling after the ongoing vacation of the Supreme Court till October 12.”
Two Supreme Court lawyers Samiul Huq and Barrister Rokonuddin Md Faruq filed a writ petition challenging the legality of unlawful business and indoor games of cards, dice and housie in exchange of money in those clubs.
Advocate A F Hasan Ariff and Barrister Redwan Ahmed Ranjib appeared in the court on behalf of the writ petitioners while Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal took part in the hearing on behalf of the Dhaka Club.
Following the writ petition, the High Court (HC) issued a rule in 2016 asking the authorities concerned of the government to explain in four weeks as to why they should not be directed to take actions against the unlawful business and indoor games of cards, dice and housie in exchange of money.
At the same time, the HC directed the government to immediately stop gambling including cards, dice and housie at 13 renowned clubs.
The 13 clubs are Dhaka club, Uttara Club Ltd, Gulshan Club Ltd, Dhanmondi Club Ltd, Banani Club Ltd, Officers’ Club Dhaka, Ladies’ Club Dhaka, Cadet College Club Dhaka, Chittagong Club Ltd, Chittagong Seniors’ Club Ltd, Narayanganj Club Ltd, Sylhet Club Ltd and Khulna Club Ltd.
Later on December 11, 2016, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court stayed the High Court order following a leave to appeal petition filed by Dhaka Club authorities.
A four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by the then Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha also directed the High Court to dispose of its earlier rule within eight weeks that asked the government, the police and the clubs’ authorities to explain as to why they should not be directed to take actions against the unlawful business and indoor games of cards, dice and housie in exchange of money.
In the mean time, 33 months have already elapsed, the High Court couldn’t hold hearing on the rule issued in this regard.
Sources said, the clubs are taking the opportunity of the stay order of the Appellate Division.
Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal, who appeared in the case on behalf of Dhaka Club, said, “After the order of the Appellate Division, the High Court bench was disbanded. That is why the rule could not be heard by the High Court and stay order of the Appellate Division remains in force.”
Article 18(2) of the Constitution of Bangladesh said “The State shall adopt effective measures to prevent prostitution and gambling.”
Besides, Section 3, 4, 13 of the Public Gambling Act, 1867, define gambling as a criminal and punishable offence.
Recently a legal notice had been served on the secretary of the ministry of home affairs to take necessary actions against all those involved with the casino gambling in the country.
