SJB FILES FR PETITION SEEKING DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT ANNULLED

Samagi Jana Balawegaya General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara has filed a Fundamental Rights petition challenging the June 20 Parliamentary election.

The petition was filed through Dinesh Vidanapathirana citing Attorney General, Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, its members N. J. Abeysekera and Ratnajeevan Hoole as Respondents.

The petitioner made his application in the public interest, with the objective of safeguarding the rights and interests of the general public and securing due respect, regard for and adherence to the Rule of Law, the Constitution and with a view to protecting the fundamental rights required to be respected, secured and advanced. He said that a free and fair election could not be held if the election proceeds in the present circumstances and that campaigning, (including activities such as door to door campaigns, focus-group discussions and mass rallies which give political parties and independent candidates the opportunity to communicate their positions and policies, and the electors the opportunity and ability to make a fully informed decision at the polls) was a vital and indispensable component of free and fair elections and the franchise.

He said that the President’s decision not to rescind the aforementioned Gazette (even on, or after, 20th April 2020) was mala fide, irrational and grossly unreasonable, and amounted to a violation and a continuing violation of the fundamental rights of the citizens.