The Supreme Court has granted time for the petitioners to file objections over two reports submitted by the Attorney General regarding the composition of the present Cabinet.
A fundamental rights petition has been filed challenging the appointment of the current Cabinet of Ministers, which according to the petitioner, is in violation of provisions of the Constitution.
The petition filed by Secretary of the Professionals’ National Front Kapila Renuka Perera, was considered before a three-member bench comprising justices Murdhu Fernando, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Shiran Gunathilaka yesterday.
During the consideration of the petition, Additional Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva representing the Cabinet said she filed two reports pertaining to the composition of the current Cabinet of Ministers.
Attorney Dharshana Weraduwage, representing the petitioner, then requested the bench to grant his faction time to file objections regarding the reports.
Accordingly, the bench considered the request and granted the petitioner an opportunity to file objections before the 11th of February.
82 respondents including the Attorney General, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet of Ministers, all State Ministers, and the Secretary to the President have been named in the petition.
The petitioner pointed out that the appointment of the incumbent Cabinet of Ministers is in violation of the Articles of the Constitution.
According to the petition, two Cabinet Ministers and four State Ministers have been appointed in excess of the number allowed through Constitutional provisions.
Accordingly, the petitioner is seeking an order against the Cabinet and its functions.
