SC flags three clauses in media professionals’ Bill

The Supreme Court has determined that three clauses of the Bill titled the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka are inconsistent with the Constitution, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne told Parliament on Tuesday (8).

The determination was made in response to a constitutional challenge under Article 121(1).

The Court held that Clause 3(1) is vague and inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution. It can therefore be passed only with the special majority required under Article 84(2), unless the clause is deleted.

Clause 4(o) was also found to be inconsistent with Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g). It would require a special majority unless amended in accordance with the changes proposed by the Court.

The Court further ruled that Clause 5(4)(b) is inconsistent with Article 12(1) and may be passed only with the special majority stipulated in Article 84(2). The inconsistency would cease if the clause is amended as directed by the Court.

The remaining provisions of the Bill were found to be consistent with the Constitution.

Speaker Wickramaratne subsequently directed that the full Supreme Court determination be printed in the Official Report of Parliament.