Petition filed by CTC:

Judge refuses interim order

Jayantha de Silva

Court of Appeal Judge S Sri Skandaraja yesterday refused to issue an interim order in respect of a petition filed by Ceylon Tobacco Company against a directive by the Health Minister requiring to conspicuously display on cigarette packets both written and pictorial health warnings about health hazards of smoking.

The petition claimed inter alia that the minister's directive is ultra vires, that there is insufficient time frame to comply with the directive coming to force from March 1 as per Gazette notification. The petition cited Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena and the Health Ministry Secretary as respondents.

The Judge ordered to file counter affidavits before the next date of mention fixed for April 4. Deputy Solicitor General Arjuna Obeysekera appeared for the Attorney General's Department. Attorney at Law Romesh de Silva PC appeared for the petitioner.