The Supreme Court today (3) commenced hearing petitions challenging the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill presented to parliament by the government.
The petitions are being heard before a three-member bench comprising Justices Shiran Gunaratne, Mahinda Samayawardhena and Sampath Wijeratne.
A total of 14 petitions have been filed challenging the proposed legislation, including petitions submitted by former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and several other parties.
The petitioners contend that certain provisions of the Bill violate fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including the sovereignty of the people.
They have also claimed that the proposed legislation would curtail the public’s right to information.
The petitioners have therefore requested the Supreme Court to determine that, if the Bill is to be passed, it must receive a two-thirds majority in Parliament as well as approval at a referendum.
