The Supreme Court has concluded hearing 26 petitions challenging the proposed Organised Crime Prevention Bill, which claim that certain provisions of the draft legislation violate fundamental rights.
The petitions were filed by several parties, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), seeking a determination that the Bill requires approval by a two-thirds majority in Parliament as well as a public referendum to be enacted.
The petitions were heard before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Abeykoon.
Following the conclusion of the hearings yesterday (November 4), the Supreme Court directed the petitioners to submit their written submissions on the issues raised before 4.00 p.m. today (November 5).
The Attorney General has been directed to submit written submissions on November 9.
