The Supreme Court has issued its determination on the Bill titled _Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka_, which was challenged before the Court under Article 121(1) of the Constitution.
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament today (08) that the Supreme Court had determined that several provisions of the Bill were inconsistent with the Constitution, while the remaining clauses were found to be constitutionally valid.
The Court found Clause 3(1) to be vague and inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution. The clause would require approval by a special majority under Article 84(2), unless it is deleted, in which case the identified inconsistency would be removed.
Clause 4(o) was also found to be inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g). According to the determination, the clause can be passed with a special majority, unless it is amended in accordance with the changes proposed by the Supreme Court.
The Court further ruled that Clause 5(4b) is inconsistent with Article 12(1) and therefore requires approval by a special majority under Article 84(2). The inconsistency would be removed if the clause is amended as directed by the Court.
The Supreme Court determined that the other provisions of the Bill are not inconsistent with the Constitution. The determination now allows Parliament to proceed with debate on the proposed legislation, subject to the amendments and special majority requirements set out by the Court.
