BASL urges Govt. not to interfere with the judiciary

11 March 2023 06:20 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has urged the government to refrain from undermining the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka.

The BASL made this request while expressing its grave concern regarding the recent statements made by Parliamentarian Premnath Dolawatte and State Minister Shehan Semasinghe referring to an ongoing case in the Supreme Court pertaining to the Local Authorities elections.

The BASL is of the view that both statements constitute an interference with the judicial process and undermine the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka.

The BASL stated that on 7th March 2023, MP Dolawatte criticised the interim orders issued by the Supreme Court in a Fundamental Application alleging that the orders breached the Parliamentary Privilege and casts aspersions on one of the members of the bench.

State Minister Semasinghe in his statement on 10th March 2023 had requested the Deputy Speaker to advise the relevant authorities not to proceed and take any action on the interim order given by the Supreme Court with regard to the Local Government election until the Parliamentary Committee on Privileges concludes its inquiry on the privilege issue raised by MP Premnath Dolawatte.

The BASL observed that any attempt to interfere with the independence of the judiciary as a serious affront to the rule of law and the rights of the people of the country.

Such affronts to the independence of the judiciary will compromise the ability of the court to do justice according to law, irrespective of the parties.

In the past whenever the independence of the judiciary has been under threat whether it be from the executive arm or any other quarter, the BASL and its members throughout the island have fiercely opposed such interferences, the BASL statement added.

Accordingly, the BASL urges the Government to learn from the lessons of history and to refrain from undermining the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka.

This statement had been issued under the signatures of BASL President Saliya Pieris PC and its Secretary Isuru Balapatabendi.(Lakmal Sooriyagoda)

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Comments - 10

Lion Saturday, 11 March 2023 06:50 PM

What ever the statement issued by you has no effect on this government since their intention is the survival amidst growing opposition to the government which has no people’s mandate. As it is it shows they are willing to go to any extent to retain power .

4 fingers pointing at me Saturday, 11 March 2023 07:31 PM

Likewise BASL should urge their members to stop evading the payment of taxes and start been honest on their taxes. When both the Pot and Kettle is black, both need System Change

Judges group using courts to evade taxes Saturday, 11 March 2023 09:06 PM

BASL is trying to keep their cake and eat it too. Judges are claiming they are above the law and cannot have new taxes applied to them.

BASL interfered with Aragalaya already Saturday, 11 March 2023 08:28 PM

BASL is untrustworthy. They are self-serving lawyer groups putting up the power of the law to maximise their fees. They interfered already with the Aragalaya to drowse it when Aragalaya got Gota out. The judges even have court case to delay paying their due taxes, which other sectors of those earning 100,000 don't have the means to delay. Judges who hold pack from paying full tax seems to turn blind eye government lacks tax revenue to have funds together for LG election.

johan Saturday, 11 March 2023 09:13 PM

Can the Supreme Court charge them under contempt of court.Already one Nisantha's case is pending for simlar offence.One must remember Parliament privilege is not above the Supreme Court ruling

dickie bird Saturday, 11 March 2023 10:01 PM

The Bar Association urge Govt not to interfere with Judiciary BUT, goes and interfere with JULIE

Cheers Sunday, 12 March 2023 02:58 AM

BASL you are politically motivated and saliya peiris should be stripped off his position as a lawyer creating aragalaya and playing havoc

Nm Sunday, 12 March 2023 07:44 AM

That is only the one side of the coin. The other side is judiciary interfering with the privileges of the parliament.

Sue Kirthisinghe Sunday, 12 March 2023 10:27 AM

We have absolutely no trust in the Bar Association any longer. They're hypocrites and want everything their way.

One Country One Law. Sunday, 12 March 2023 12:19 PM

What is happening to the "Contempt of Court" case against MP Nissantha?

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BASL urges Govt. not to interfere with the judiciary

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