A Supreme Court lawyer yesterday served a legal notice on the government asking it to appoint ABM Altaf Hossain as a regular judge of the High Court within 72 hours, following recommendation by the chief justice.

The government last month regularised services of five additional HC judges leaving out the name of Justice Altaf, who was appointed as an additional judge in June 2012 along with the others. The government did not mention any reason for the decision.

Advocate Md Idrisur Rahman in the notice said the recommendation of the chief justice is very important for appointing judges, and disregarding his recommendation is tantamount to disregarding the whole judiciary.

He said if the government does not appoint Altaf in 72 hours, he will file a writ petition with the HC challenging his non-appointment and seeking direction on the government for his appointment. Secretary to the president, principal secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, law secretary and the SC registrar have been made respondents.