LG polls: SLMC challenges rejection of nomination papers

Secretary of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, challenged the rejection of nomination by 20 petitioners, representing them in the Supreme Court this week.

The Supreme Court bench comprising Justice S. Thurairaja, PC, Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena, and Justice Sampath B. Abayakoon, took up S.C. Writ No. 06/25, filed by the Democratic National Alliance, along with 21 other related cases, challenging the rejection of nominations in the recently concluded submission of nominations for the local authority elections.

⁠Rejections of nominations had taken place owing to a variety of reasons, ranging from the failure to submit certified copies of birth certificates or affidavits, deficiencies in affidavits, and missing details in affidavits among others. All lacuna and errors pertaining to the nominees’ affidavits were addressed and corrected in required affidavits, including the submission of certified copies and other relevant documents.

The court directed the Attorney General to hold discussions with the Election Commission, representing the Returning Officers, and Counsel for the petitioners on Sunday, March 30, to seek a resolution to these cases. Accordingly, the Attorney General was represented by Deputy Solicitor General Kanishka de Silva Balapatabendi.

Commenting on this intense process under tight time constraints Mr. Kariapper, stated to the media that the discussion was highly productive and that he is confident the rejection due to photocopies of birth certificates will be considered favourably for all. He further stated that the State has determined to inform the Supreme Court of its final position on this matter on Tuesday.

Along with Nizam Kariapper PC, Geoffrey Alagaratnam PC, Counsel Guruparan and Ilham N. Kariapper represented the other petitioners.