United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam yesterday decided to withdraw a Fundamental Rights petition filed by him challenging the dissolution of Parliament.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court two-judge bench comprising Justice Vijith Malalgoda and Justice Murdu Fernando ordered the dismissal of the petition.
Counsel who appeared on behalf of the petitioner sought the court’s permission to withdraw the petition stating that the petitioner is not expecting to proceed with the petition.
The Attorney General submitted to court that the petition cannot be maintained since the Supreme Court has already made a ruling in this regard after dismissing eight Fundamental Rights petitions filed over the same issue.
Through this petition, the UNP General Secretary sought a declaration that the dissolution of the Eighth Parliament through a proclamation by the President was unconstitutional as the new Parliament could not meet by June 2, 2020.
This petition had been filed through attorney-at-law Dinesh Vidanapathirana naming the Attorney General as respondent.
The petitioner is also seeking an Interim Order staying the operation of the dissolution of the Eighth Parliament through a proclamation published in a gazette notification dated March 2, 2020.
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