SC fixes for support on May 18 and 19 AG says unable to appear for EC members

Seven FR petitions challenging impugned June 20 election 

• EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, its members N.J. Abeysekara and S. Ratnajeevan Hoole, Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe cited as respondents

 By S.S. Selvanayagam

The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday deferred until May 18 and 19 the supporting for leave to proceed in respect of the fundamental rights petitions contesting the holding of the general election on June 20. 

The bench comprised Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and Justices Murdu Fernando and Yasantha Kodagoda. 
Meanwhile, Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera has informed the SC that he was not in a position to appear for the Elections Commission (EC) and its members in the FR petitions challenging the date of the poll. The request was made to the full bench and the Chief Justice would consider for constituting full bench. 

Altogether, there were seven petitions and several intervenient applications. Sanjeewa Jayawardena (PC) appeared for intervenient petitioner Ven. Muruthetuwe Ananda Thera while M.A. Sumanthiran (PC) appeared for two petitions – one filed by Chiritha Maithri Gunarathna and other by Victor Ivan, T.M. Premawardana, Prof. Anton Meemana, A.M. Jiffry, S. Sivagurunathan, Mahinda Hattaka, M.S. Jayakody and Dr. H.D.S.F.D. Hearth. 
Viran Corea appeared for the Centre for Policy Alternatives and its Executive Director Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu. Suren Fernando appeared for Samagi Jana Balawegaya. Jeffrey Alagaratnam and Ikram Mohamed for two other petitions. Patali Champika Ranawaka and Kumara Welgama have filed one petition each. Additional Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva appeared for the AG. Romesh de Silva (PC) appeared for respondent P.B. Jayasundara (Secretary to the President). Ashtika Thevendra appeared for S. Ratnajeevan Hoole.  Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya and its members N.J. Abeysekara and S. Ratnajeevan Hoole along with Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe have also been cited as respondents. 

They are seeking a declaration from court to invalidate the extraordinary gazette notification declaring the June 20 election.