Appellate Division stays HC order blocking new TCB dealership appointments

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the High Court order that had halted the appointment of new dealers for the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). The virtual bench of the Appellate Division passed the order following a hearing on an appeal filed by TCB.

Court's Decision

On November 2, a High Court bench had suspended the process of appointing new TCB dealers for six months and issued a rule. Following an appeal against that rule, the Appellate Division today stayed the High Court's order after a preliminary hearing.

According to court sources, the Appellate Division bench issued the stay order after hearing TCB's application against the High Court's suspension. As a result, TCB can now resume its dealership appointment process.

Background

Earlier, the High Court had issued the order in response to several petitions alleging irregularities in TCB dealership appointments in various districts across the country. The court had issued a rule directing TCB to ensure transparency in the dealership appointment process.

TCB sells essential commodities at subsidised prices on behalf of the government. The corporation's operations play a crucial role in controlling commodity prices in the domestic market. TCB had planned to expand its distribution network through the appointment of new dealers.

Legal Proceedings

Following the Appellate Division's order, TCB can now proceed with the appointment of new dealers. However, lawyers said the process will continue until the High Court rule is finally disposed of.

Officials from the Attorney General's office represented TCB during the hearing, while lawyers for the petitioners presented their arguments on behalf of the writ applicants.