Jaffna shop owners petition against eviction

By S. S. Selvanayagam

 The Court of Appeal yesterday issued notice on the Divisional Secretary of Jaffna, returnable for 6 September, in respect of a petition filed against the bid to evict shop owners in the vicinity of the Jaffna Bus terminal.

 The Bench comprising Justices M. M. A. Gafoor and S. Thurairaja directed to issue Notice.

 Eight shop owners filed their revision petitions citing the Competent Authority (Divisional Secretary Ponnambalam Thayananthan) as Respondent.

 K. V. S. Ganesharajan with Sarah George instructed by Sharmila Hind appeared for the Petitioners.

 The Petitioners are seeking the Court of Appeal to set aside the orders made by the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court and Provincial High Court.

 They are asking the Court of Appeal to grant them an opportunity to file objections/show cause and hearing/inquiry guaranteed under and in terms of the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act before the Magistrate’s Court proceedings.

 They are also seeking an Interim Order staying the proceedings in the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court until the final determination of their applications.