Petition challenges legality of ongoing ‘lockdown’

A Supreme Court lawyer yesterday filed a writ petition with the High Court, challenging legality of the ongoing "lockdown" imposed by the government to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Md Eunus Ali Akond submitted the petition as a public interest litigation to the HC. He also sought HC order on the government not to impose a lockdown in the country without any emergency situation.

In the petition, he said citizens' fundamental rights including right to free movement and access to justice are being violated due to the ongoing lockdown.

People cannot move freely and approach the courts and offices for remedy due to the lockdown, which is contradictory to the constitution, Eunus Ali told The Daily Star citing the writ petition.

The lawyer also prayed to the HC to issue a rule asking the government to show causes why imposing lockdown without any emergency situation should not be declared illegal and unconstitutional.He said the HC may hold hearing on the petition today.