Supreme Court hearing on Anti-Corruption Amendment Bill adjourned until Friday

The Supreme Court has adjourned until Friday the further hearing of petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Government’s Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill.

The petitions were taken up on Thursday before a three-member bench comprising Justices Shiran Guneratne, Mahinda Samayawardhena and Sampath Wijeratne.

A total of 15 petitions have been filed against the Bill, including one by former Minister G.L. Peiris.

Lawyers appearing for the petitioners argued that the proposed legislation would restrict fundamental rights and curtail the powers of the judiciary.

They asked the court to determine that the Bill would require approval at a referendum before it could become law.

Submissions by counsel for the petitioners concluded on Thursday, while further arguments are scheduled to continue on Friday.