SJB’s 21A Bill shot down by SC

• SC determines most clauses in Bill inconsistent with Constitution
• Will require 2/3rd and referendum to get approval

The Supreme Court has determined that a majority of the clauses in the 21st Amendment to the Constitution Bill which was tabled by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) are inconsistent with the Constitution and would require to be passed by a two-third majority in Parliament and be approved by the people at a referendum.

The Bill was presented to Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill by SJB MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara and five petitions were filed challenging its constitutionality.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced the Supreme Court’s determination to the House yesterday.

The Bill sought to abolish the Executive Presidency that is in existence at present and transfer power to Parliament, but the court held that most of the clauses of the Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution.