SC upholds candidature cancellation of Selim Pradhan

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has upheld an order of the chamber court that cancelled the candidature of Selim Pradhan for the post of chairman in the Rupganj Upazila Parishad elections of Narayanganj district.

The full bench of Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan passed the order on Thursday.

Besides, Salim Pradhan was fined Tk 10,000 for wasting court time as his lawyer made an application to the court for 'non-prosecution' (request not to prosecute the case) at the beginning of the hearing.

On April 23, the returning officer cancelled Pradhan's nomination for the upazila parishad elections due to his conviction in money laundering and ACC cases. On April 30, Pradhan filed a writ with the High Court seeking the validity of his candidacy and allotment of symbols.

As the High Court order went in Selim Pradhan's favour, Rupganj Upazila Parishad chairman candidate Habibur Rahman appealed against that order in the Supreme Court Chamber Judge Court.

On May 6, the chamber court suspended the High Court order. Later, Pradhan appealed to the Appellate Division for the withdrawal of the order.