By Newswire Editorial
The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court today (09) that the Government intends to introduce amendments to the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, which has been challenged before the court.
The Attorney General informed the court that the proposed amendments would be introduced during the Committee Stage in Parliament and submitted a document containing the amendments for the court’s consideration.
The announcement was made as the Supreme Court resumed hearings today on 26 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Government’s proposed legislation.
The petitions are being heard before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Abeykoon.
A total of 26 petitions have been filed by several parties, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), seeking a ruling that certain provisions of the Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution.
The petitioners have raised concerns over several provisions of the proposed legislation, which was published in the Gazette on October 06.
During the previous hearing on November 04, lawyers representing the petitioners presented their submissions, with proceedings continuing until late that night.
The Supreme Court subsequently directed the petitioners to submit written arguments concerning the constitutionality of the Bill and proposed amendments by November 05. (Newswire)