Govt proposes changes to OCB

The Government on Monday (09) informed the Supreme Court that it intends to remove provisions relating to offences under the Excise Ordinance from the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill and amend provisions relating to copyright offences under the Intellectual Property Act.

Solicitor General President’s Counsel Viraj Dayaratne, appearing for the Attorney General, also informed the Court that the Government was considering further amendments to provisions relating to detention orders and the Bail Act.

He said the Government intended to introduce the proposed amendments during the Committee Stage of the Bill in Parliament.

The Solicitor General said the proposed changes had been decided following discussions with policymakers and copies of the amendments had been submitted to the Supreme Court and lawyers representing the petitioners.

He said further amendments relating to detention orders and the Bail Act would be considered following additional discussions with policymakers.

The submissions were made when 26 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Bill were taken up before a three-member Supreme Court Bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Abeykoon.

During the proceedings, the Solicitor General apologised for the delay in providing copies of the proposed amendments.

President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva thereafter sought an hour to examine the proposed amendments. The Solicitor General raised no objection to the request.

The Supreme Court accordingly adjourned the proceedings for one hour to enable counsel for the petitioners to study the proposed amendments.