SC takes up private member's Bill

Jayantha de Silva

A private member's Bill moved in Parliament referring to the dissolution of the provincial councils which was referred to the Supreme Court for special determination was taken up before a three judge bench yesterday.

The Court is to convey its determination to the speaker before July 12.

The Bench is constituted of Chief Justice Mohan Peris, Justice Sathya Hettige and Justice Chandra Ekanayake.

The Centre for Policy Alternatives filed a petition against the Bill alleging that the Bill was placed in the Order Paper following an inappropriate procedure.

The petitioner contended that the Bill was to be submitted to provincial councils for approval before placing in the Order Paper in accordance with the Article 154 ( G ) (2 ) of the Constitution.