SC rejects a petition filed by ITAK challenging the refusal by the election officials to accept nominations

The writ petition filed by Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) seeking an order quashing the decision to reject its nomination papers submitted for the Maritimepattu Pradeshiya Sabha was today dismissed by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court's three-judge bench, comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, Shiran Goonaratne, and Janak de Silva, decided to dismiss the petition, taking into account the preliminary objections raised by the Election Commission. Acting General Secretary of ITAK Dr. Pathmanathan Saththiyalingam and two others filed this writ petition, naming the Returning Officer of Mullaitivu District, the Election Commission Chairman, and its other members as respondents in the petition. In their petition, the petitioners further sought an order directing the election officials to accept the nomination papers tendered by ITAK for the Maritimepattu Pradeshiya Sabha.   President's Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran and Senior Counsel Viran Corea appeared for the petitioners. Senior Counsel Dharshana Weraduwage, Counsel Dharshani Kalupahana, and Ushani Atapattu appeared before the Election Commission.