Dhaka, May 19 -- The High Court has questioned the legality of allocating roads and footpaths to hawkers, asking why such a move should not be declared unconstitutional.

A bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakraborty and Justice Abdur Rahman issued the rule on Tuesday after hearing a public interest writ petition.

The local government (LGRD) secretary, law secretary, administrators of Dhaka North and South city corporations and their chief executive officers have been asked to respond within four weeks.

Supreme Court lawyer Md Sohebuuzzaman filed the petition, arguing the allotments violate articles 21 and 36 of the Constitution, which guarantee fundamental rights, as well as section 37 of the Road Transport Act 2018.

The act requires a cl...