The petitions were filed by several parties, including the Archbishop and the Young Journalists’ Association, contesting the legality of Tennakoon’s appointment to the post of IGP.
The matter was taken up before a three-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice. At the outset of proceedings, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva, who previously appeared on behalf of Tennakoon, informed court that he would no longer represent his client and had withdrawn the relevant preliminary objections.
Counsel appearing for the former Speaker submitted that since Tennakoon has now been removed from the position of IGP, there was no longer a basis to continue with the petitions.
However, lawyers representing the petitioners requested that the court deliver a determination on the matter.
During proceedings, the Chief Justice observed that hearing the case after the removal of the former IGP could amount to a futile exercise,
Presenting submissions on behalf of the Attorney General, the Additional Solicitor General informed court that the current President, who has been named as a respondent in the petitions, had earlier submitted an affidavit through his Secretary on January 28 last year. The affidavit reportedly stated that the Constitutional Council had followed a flawed procedure when recommending Tennakoon’s appointment as IGP.
After considering these submissions and recording the President’s position before court, counsel for the petitioners agreed to conclude the hearing of the petitions.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court decided to terminate further proceedings in the matter.
