The writ petitions filed by Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero and Prof. Carlo Fonseka against the Inspector General of Police, challenging legality of the Police Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID), were fixed for hearing on 9th March by the Court of Appeals yesterday.

The petition was called before the Court of Appeal Justices, Vijith Malalgoda and Preethi Padman Surasena.

The Court ordered the respondent party and the complainant party to file objections on or before that date.

Attorney General, who appeared on behalf of the IGP said that objections had already been filed with the court by the respondent party.

Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera and Fonseka stated that FCID was allegedly established under a gazette notification, which is illegal. They stated that the gazette notification published in terms of Section 55 of the Police Ordinance does not vest any power to establish a separate functional division in the Police Department. Petitioners stated that any investigation carried out under the FCID is a nullity, since FCID is illegal.