Dhaka, Jan. 6 -- The Supreme Court has said that publishing or broadcasting false news will amount to "contempt of court", making the individuals or institutions concerned legally liable.

The warning was issued in a media statement on Tuesday by Supreme Court Registrar General Mohammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee.

The statement said that several media outlets had recently carried incorrect reports -- including television scrolls -- claiming that a senior judge of the Appellate Division had gone on leave over a breach of seniority in the appointment of the chief justice, and that a judge of the High Court Division had taken leave after not being assigned to a bench.

The apex court said these reports were "entirely false, misleading and dee...