The Supreme Court commenced hearings on Thursday, October 12, regarding petitions submitted by Ministers Manusha Nanayakkara and Harin Fernando. These petitions challenge the Samagi Jana Balawegaya's (SJB) decision to expel them from the party and disqualify them from their parliamentary seats.

The panel of judges for this legal proceeding included Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Achala Vengappuli, and Arjuna Obeysekera.

President's Counsel Faiszer Musthapha, representing Minister Nanayakkara, argued that the decision made by the main opposition party to suspend his client's party membership was entirely unlawful. He pointed out that, according to the party's constitution, only the Working Committee has the authority to expel party members. Neither the Party Leadership nor the Disciplinary Committee possesses such powers.

Musthapha clarified that the Disciplinary Committee's role is solely to bring charges against members and conduct inquiries into those who have violated the party's constitution.

The president's counsel highlighted that despite Minister Nanayakkara obtaining an injunction from the district court against his party membership suspension, he was expelled from the SJB based on a notice from the party's general secretary.

He further emphasized that the Supreme Court's previous ruling, which supported the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress' decision to expel Minister Naseer Ahamed from the party, is not relevant to the current case.

The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of the petitions, naming Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and SJB's General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara as respondents, to October 24, allowing for further proceedings on this matter.