By Newswire Editorial
The Government has agreed to reduce the detention period for suspects under the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill from 72 hours to 48 hours, the Supreme Court was informed today (09).
Solicitor General President’s Counsel Viraj Dayaratne, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, informed the court of the proposed amendment during the hearing of petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Bill.
The Attorney General also informed the Supreme Court that provisions relating to tattoos and markings on a person to identify links to criminal gangs contained in the proposed legislation would be withdrawn.
Additionally, the Government has agreed to remove a provision requiring prior court permission to publish information relating to cases involving serious criminal offences.
The latest amendments were announced as the Supreme Court continued hearing 26 petitions filed against the proposed legislation.
Concluding the hearings, the Supreme Court announced that its determination regarding the constitutionality of the Bill would be communicated to the President and the Speaker of Parliament.
Earlier today, the Attorney General informed the court that the Government had also decided to completely remove provisions relating to offences under the Excise Ordinance and amend copyright-related provisions under the Intellectual Property Act.
The court was further informed that changes to provisions relating to detention orders and the Bail Act were being considered following discussions with policymakers.
The Government intends to introduce the proposed amendments during the Committee Stage in Parliament.
The petitions were heard before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Abeykoon.
The proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill has faced legal challenges over several of its provisions, with petitioners seeking a determination on their constitutionality. (Newswire)