The Supreme Court yesterday permitted Prime Minister and Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to submit the report of the Delimitation Committee for Local Government institutions to Court on or before February 14.
President’s Counsel Faiz Musthapa who is appearing on behalf of the Prime Minister, through a motion had sought permission from Court to submit this report during the hearing of the Fundamental Rights petitions that have been filed challenging the suspension of the Local Government Election.
These Fundamental Rights Petitions were taken for consideration before a Five-Judge Bench headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, PC yesterday. President’s Counsel Faiz Musthapa pointed out this report is an essential document to hold the Local Government election.
However, counsels appearing on behalf of the petitioners objected to the request claiming that the consideration of the petitions is in the latter stage and therefore, no new documents should be presented for consideration. Justice Vijith Malalgoda was also of the view that submitting documents at this stage could be problematic. However, the Five-Judge Bench later decided to grant permission to the request.
These petitions had been filed by General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjith Maddumabandara, National People’s Power MP, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, former MP Sunil Handunneththi, NPP Secretary Nihal Abeysinghe and the PAFFREL.
They had named 35 parties including the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Attorney General, Government Printer, Inspector General of Police, Chairman of the National Election Commission and its members, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and members of the Cabinet as respondents to these petitions.
The Five-Judge Bench consisted of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, PC, Justices Vijith Malalgoda, PC, Murdu Fernando, PC, Gamini Amarasekara and Yasantha Kodagoda, PC.
Further consideration of the petitions were postponed for March 5,6 and 7, 2024.
Nelka Medagedara and LAHIRU FERNANDO
