The Supreme Court today (23) concluded the hearing of the petitions filed against the constitutionality of the special draft Counter Terrorism Bill presented to the parliament by the government.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court will submit the secret decision of the hearing to the President and the Speaker of the Parliament.

The petitions were taken up before a three-judge bench consisting of Supreme Court Judges Sisira de Abrew, Vijith Malalgoda and Murdu Fernando.

The petitions challenging the draft bill on Counter Terrorism have been submitted by Joint Opposition MP Wimal Weerawansa and six other parties.

The petitioners claim that most of the clauses included in the proposed draft bill are in contrast with the fundamental rights ensured by the Constitution.

Hence, they have sought an order from the court, which states that the two-thirds majority of the parliament is required to pass the relevant draft bill.

However, representing the Attorney General, Deputy Solicitor General Yasantha Kodagoda informed the court that the democratic rights and human rights are not violated by the clauses of the proposed draft bill.

He further stated that this draft bill does not violate the Freedom of Speech or Freedom of Assembly, under any circumstances.

The Supreme Court concluded the hearing of the petitions today and ordered to hand over the written submission on the hearing to the Registrar of the Supreme Court on October 25 before 10.00 a.m.

Subsequently, the secret decision taken with regard to the petitions are to be submitted to the President and the Speaker.