Archchuna’s parliamentary eligibility case re-fixed for argument

Colombo, July 02 (Daily Mirror) - The writ application challenging the eligibility of Jaffna District Parliamentarian Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna to serve as a Member of Parliament was today re-fixed for argument after the Court of Appeal bench was not properly constituted.

Counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner sought the earliest possible date for the matter to be fixed at the top of the list. 

Accordingly, Justice Mahen Gopallawa re-fixed the petition for argument on August 31 and directed that it be listed at the top of the day’s case list.

Social activist Oshala Herath filed this petition seeking an order in the nature of a Writ of Quo Warranto declaring that Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna is disqualified to be a Member of Parliament.

 

The petitioner alleged that Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna was a public officer attached to the Ministry of Health and, therefore, as a public officer, he has a contract with the state.

 

The petitioner stated that Article 91(1)(e) of the Constitution bars individuals who hold any interests in public contracts from election as a Member of Parliament. 

Counsel N.K. Ashokbharan with Shenal Fernando appeared for petitioner Oshala Herath. 

Counsel Senani Dayaratne with Nishadi Wickremesinghe appeared for the first respondent MP Parliamentarian Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna.

Deputy Solicitor General Manohara Jayasinghe appeared for the Attorney General.