The Supreme Court, that examined the constitutionality of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill submitted by the government in Parliament, announced that it will forward its confidential conclusion to the Speaker of Parliament.
A petition filed by election monitor DM Dasanayake was taken up for consideration today (23).
Dasanayake said the proposed bill has not granted auditing powers to audit the funds, donations and expenses of a candidate.
The petitioner stated that a third party has been granted the ability to carry out campaigns, promotions and expenses on behalf of a candidate terming such a move unsuitable.
Claiming that the punishment imposed on such offences through the proposed bill are insufficient, the petitioner stated that certain sections of the proposed bill violate the provisions of the Right to Information Act.
The petitioner said basic human rights guaranteed under the Constitution are being violated through provisions in the bill.
Therefore, the petitioner requested the Supreme Court to rule that if the bill is passed, it must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament and a referendum.
Additional Solicitor General Avanthi Perera representing the Attorney General said all clauses in the proposed bill are in line with the Constitution.
After considering the facts presented in Court, the Supreme Court concluded the hearing of the petition and announced that it will direct its conclusion to the Speaker.
