LAKMAL SOORIYAGODA 
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BASL defends legality of lawyers’ car passes
Colombo, Sept. 29 (Daily Mirror) - The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), in a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has clarified matters relating to lawyers’ car passes, which recently came under public discussion.
The BASL observed that any attempt to compel the removal of car passes issued by the Association, based on a Gazette Notification, would be ultra vires and contrary to the law. The BASL maintained that the scope and purpose of the Gazette Order are not applicable to lawyers’ car passes, which are affixed to windscreens and do not in any way violate provisions of the Motor Traffic Act.
The BASL expressed confidence that there would be no change to the current practice of issuing car passes to its members.
Outlining the importance of the passes, the BASL explained that:
- The passes, affixed to windscreens of members’ vehicles, serve to identify attorneys-at-law when entering courts, tribunals and other institutions involved in the administration of justice.
- They act as a vital security measure to regulate vehicle entry to such premises.
- Law enforcement authorities recognise the passes as proof that a vehicle is used by an attorney-at-law.
- The BASL has issued these annual passes since 1997, maintaining the practice for 28 years.
- In 2019, following the Easter Sunday attacks and at the request of the defense establishment, an additional identification document was introduced for member vehicles.
- It is under these circumstances that we are surprised to see such news reports. You would no doubt appreciate the requirement for a lawyers’ car pass, and we are confident that no steps will be taken to alter the present status quo,” the BASL stated in its letter.
The BASL’s letter was issued by its President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena.
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