FR filed by 10 individuals during a protest at Parliament: SC refuses to grant leave to proceed

The Supreme Court today refused to grant leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights petition filed by ten individuals who alleged that their fundamental rights were violated when expressing dissent in front of the Parliament on 4th May 2022.

State Counsel Shaminda Wickrema submitted that the Petitioners had broken the law by obstructing Members of Parliament travelling in their vehicles and breached Parliamentary Privileges. Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Shiran Gooneratne, and Justice Janak de Silva, considered the materials, videos played and the submissions made by Counsel and unanimously held that Leave to proceed would not be granted and the Petition was accordingly dismissed in limine.  Attorney-at-law Pulasthi Hewamana appeared for the Petitioners. State Counsel Shaminda Wickrema appeared with State Counsel Thusara Warapitiya for the Attorney General.