SC dismisses rights petition challenging mega Cabinet

By S. S. Selvanayagam

The Supreme Court yesterday refused to grant leave to proceed with the fundamental rights petition challenging the appointment of Mega Cabinet of Ministers.

The Bench comprised Justices Priyasath Dep, B. P. Aluvihara and Sisira J. De Abrew.

Petitioner U. K. Dharuna Laksiri cited Sirisena President Maithripala and the Attorney General as Respondents. Deputy Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva appeared for the Attorney General.

Laksiri said that President Sirisena, after the end of the Presidential Election, had stated that he is not forming a National Government.

Laksiri maintained that Sirisena had not structured the National Government. He charged that it is against legal norms and Commonwealth tradition to form a National Government.

As per Article 46.1 of the Constitution, the number of appointments to the Cabinet of Ministers should not exceed 30. He stated that Sirisena had not formed the National Government in accordance with Article 46.4 of the Constitution.

Laksiri sought a declaration from Court that his fundamental right to equality was violated. 

He also sought an Interim Order staying the appointment of Mega Cabinet until the final determination of his Petition.