Section of BASL lawyers oppose convening of meeting

While a group of lawyers requested the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to call a meeting of its members to discuss matters pertaining to the independence of the Judiciary, a section of the membership, numbering about 150 opposed the convening of such a meeting.

The latter point out, the members who want to convene the meeting is only 107 and who oppose the convening of the meeting are in the majority.

They argue that calling a meeting at this juncture is subjudice as the matter is pending before Parliament. Hence they point out:

RESOLUTION

"Whereas by Notice published in the Daily Newspapers, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has convened a meeting of its membership on Saturday, 10th November 2012 to discuss matters relating to the Independence of the Judiciary;

"And whereas we verily believe an understand that under the guise of the aforesaid, an attempt is being made to discuss the Notice of a Resolution to impeach the Honourable Chief Justice (Impeachment Motion) submitted to the Honourable Speaker in terms of the Article 107 (2) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka;

"And whereas the said Impeachment Motion is presently pending before Parliament, we hereby give notice that, we vehemently object to any matter regarding the said Impeachment Motion or any contents there of being taken for discussion at the said meeting as it is sub judice and further will adversely undermine the standing of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka as the matter is entirely within the purview and the surveillance of the legislature."