FR filed by CMEV against postponement of LG polls granted leave to proceed by SC

The Supreme Court has granted leave to proceed to a fundamental rights petition filed against the postponement of Local Government elections. The petition was filed by the Co-convenor of the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence and Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu on the grounds of the alleged violation of Articles 10, 12(1) and 14(1) a of the Constitution. The petitioners are arguing that the failure of the respondents to hold Local Government Elections on or before 19 March 2023 is a violation of the rights of the Citizens of Sri Lanka, particularly a violation of the rights guaranteed under Article 10, 12(1) and 14(1)a of the Constitution. The petitioners have also stated that the conduct of the Government Printer and the IGP is indicative of a coordinated campaign to delay the holding of elections.