Specific provisions of the private member’s motion submitted by SLPP MP Jayantha Ketagoda to reconvene dissolved local government bodies is in violation of the constitution, the Attorney General’s Department has informed the Supreme Court.
The bill aims to amend the municipal ordinances pertaining to urban councils and municipal councils, granting the subject minister the authority to recall LG bodies for a period of time as deemed necessary.
If the bill is to be passed, it must be done through a special majority in parliament and requires a public mandate at a referendum, the additional solicitor general said.
The SC yesterday (24) took up 27 petitions filed against the proposed legislation and sought an order declaring the bill unconstitutional.
FR petitions deferrred
Meanwhile, the fundamental rights petitions filed against the postponement of the LG polls have been deferred till 26 July.
The petitioners are the National People's Power (NPP) and People's Action for Fair and Free Elections (PAFFREL).
