August 29, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court yesterday (28) dismissed a fundamental rights petition that sought to compel the President to appoint an Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The petition, filed by Attorney-at-Law R.S.P. Ranasuriya, also called for the President to be disqualified as a candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election, alleging a violation of the Constitution for failing to comply with Supreme Court directives.
The court, however, found no merit in the claims and ordered the dismissal of the petition, imposing a court fee of Rs. 50,000 on the petitioner.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance on maintaining the separation of powers and its cautious approach towards interfering in executive decisions, particularly in the context of sensitive appointments like that of the Inspector General of Police.
The petitioner had argued that the President’s alleged non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders constituted a breach of the Constitution, rendering him unfit for candidacy in the Presidential Election.
However, the apex court’s decision to dismiss the petition reflects a judicial reluctance to engage in what could be perceived as a politically charged issue, particularly in the lead-up to national elections.
