Further hearing into Special GST bill fixed for today

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda
Nine Special Determination petitions filed challenging the constitutionality of the bill titled ‘Special Goods and Services Tax’ were fixed yesterday for today (Feb.2) for further hearing by the Supreme Court. President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena appearing for 23 officers attached to Excise Department submitted to court that it is unconstitutional to give.  
Finance Minister the sole discretion to determine taxes and levies in terms of Article 148 of the constitution.

Jayawardena stated that Clause 2(3) read together with Clause 3 of the Bill have proposed to empower the Minister to determine upon which goods and services of the said bill would be imposed.
Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprised Justice Vijith Malalgoda, Justice Murdu Fernando and Justice Yasantha Kodagoda.
The petitioners are seeking a declaration that the bill requires the approval by the people at a Referendum in addition to the 2/3 approval of Parliament. 
The bill was placed on the Order Paper of Parliament on January 20, 2022