DHAKA, May 14, 2025 (BSS) - The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) today set June 1 for pronouncing judgment on a plea filed by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, challenging the High Court verdict that declared the registration of the party illegal.

A four-member apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order as the hearing on the matter concluded today.

Barrister Ehsan A Siddiq and Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir took part in the hearing for Jamaat, while Advocate Touhidul Islam argued for the Election Commission (EC).

Advocate Manir said they pleaded for apex court's observation for giving Jamaat back "scale (Daripalla)" as its symbol. 

Earlier, the apex court on October 22, 2024, restored Jamaat-e-Islami's appeal against the High Court verdict, paving way for the party to take part in the hearing on an appeal against the 2013 judgment that had declared its registration as a political party, illegal.

The Appellate Division started its hearing on the plea on December 3, 2024. Jamaat's counsels in their arguments said the writ, which initiated the whole process to cancel Jamaat's registration, was politically motivated.

The High Court on August 1, 2013, declared illegal Jamaat's registration as a political party. A three-member greater bench of the High Court comprising Justice M Moazzem Hossain, Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Kazi Reza-ul-Huq delivered the judgment on majority. 

The judgment said the registration given to Jamaat by the Election Commission was beyond lawful authority.

The EC on December 7, 2018, issued the gazette, cancelling the registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. 

The party later appealed against the High Court judgment. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, however, "dismissed for default" the appeal as the main counsel for party was absent during the hearing.