A legal professional from the Supreme Court initiated a legal challenge against the nation-wide referendum held on February 12 by submitting a writ petition to the High Court. Advocate ABM Ataul Mazid filed the petition as a public interest case, requesting the court to prohibit the relevant authorities from implementing the referendum results declared the next day.
The petition urged the court to issue a directive demanding an explanation from the authorities on why the referendum should not be deemed illegal and unconstitutional. Ataul, the petitioner, highlighted that the constitution does not provide for referendums and argued that the Election Commission lacks the jurisdiction to conduct such a process, thus rendering the February 12 referendum unconstitutional.
According to the petition, the referendum was carried out without a clear constitutional framework, a comprehensive Referendum Act or Rules, and without ensuring transparency, neutrality, equal participation, and well-informed consent of voters.
Ataul Mazid mentioned that the High Court might schedule a hearing on the petition in the upcoming week. The referendum results indicated a 60.26% voter turnout, with “Yes” garnering support from 48,074,429 voters, while 22,565,627 individuals voted “No,” as reported by the Election Commission.
