SC postpones Anti-Corruption Bill hearing until tomorrow

The Supreme Court has postponed further consideration of petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Anti-Corruption Amendment Bill presented to Parliament by the Government, with the hearing set to resume tomorrow (04).

The petitions were taken up before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Shiran Guneratne, Mahinda Samayawardena and Sampath Wijeratne.

A total of 15 petitions have been filed challenging the proposed legislation, including one by former minister and parliamentarian Prof. G. L. Peiris, along with several other petitioners.

During today’s proceedings, lawyers representing the petitioners presented their arguments before the Court, raising concerns over several provisions of the proposed amendments.

The petitioners’ counsel argued that the Bill, in its current form, could infringe upon fundamental rights of the public and the powers vested in the judiciary.

Based on these constitutional concerns, the lawyers urged the Supreme Court to determine that the proposed legislation could only be enacted if it receives approval through a referendum.

The arguments presented on behalf of the petitioners concluded today, while further submissions are scheduled to be made before the Court tomorrow.

The Supreme Court’s determination on the constitutionality of the proposed amendments could therefore play a significant role in determining the next steps in the legislative process.

The case will resume tomorrow as the Court continues its consideration of the constitutional challenges raised against the Bill.