NPP’s petition demanding free and fair LG Poll reserved for order

• The petitioners stated that the budget circular issued by the Treasury Secretary based on a Cabinet decision is unconstitutional and contrary to the laws

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by National People’s Power (NPP) seeking an order directing the authorities to hold a free and fair Local Government Election was yesterday reserved for order by the Supreme Court. Accordingly, the Supreme Court would decide whether it grants leave to proceed with the petition in due course.   

The NPP Parliamentarian Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, former MP Sunil Hadunneththi and Dr. Nihal Jayasinghe filed this petition naming Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, Attorney General, Election Commission and several others as respondents.  

The petitioners stated that the budget circular issued by the Treasury Secretary based on a Cabinet decision is unconstitutional and contrary to the laws.   

The petitioners are seeking a declaration that their Fundamental Rights guaranteed to them under article 12(1) and 14(1) (a) of the constitution have been infringed by the respondents.   

Meanwhile, the Fundamental Rights petition filed by People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) was also reserved for order by the Supreme Court.