SC Concludes Hearing on Petitions Challenging Local Authorities Elections Bill

The Supreme Court has completed the hearing of petitions challenging the constitutionality of certain clauses in the Local Authorities Elections Special Provisions Bill tabled in Parliament by the government.

The court announced that its confidential ruling, which has not yet been disclosed to the public, will be sent directly to the Speaker of Parliament.

This decision followed a two-day hearing of petitions filed by four parties, including President’s Counsel Nizam Kariapper and the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC).

The petitioners argued that the bill aims to annul the nominations submitted for the previously scheduled local government elections and claimed that certain provisions violate citizens’ voting rights, infringing on fundamental human rights.

The petitioners requested the court to declare that the contentious provisions can only be enacted with a two-thirds parliamentary majority and approval through a referendum.