By The Pulseline News Desk
The Supreme Court’s determination on petitions challenging the constitutionality of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism (PSTA) Bill has been received by Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker’s Office has confirmed today.
The determination marks another step in the parliamentary process surrounding the controversial legislation, which has attracted legal and public scrutiny over its proposed provisions and implications for fundamental rights.
The petitions were filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Bill, with petitioners raising concerns over certain provisions and their compatibility with the Constitution.
The Court’s determination will now be communicated to Parliament by the Speaker and is expected to inform the next stages of consideration of the proposed legislation.
The PSTA Bill is intended to introduce a new legal framework to address terrorism-related activities, replacing the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which has faced longstanding criticism from human rights organisations and legal groups over its provisions on detention and enforcement powers.
The proposed legislation has also drawn attention following calls for broader consultation and safeguards to ensure that counterterrorism measures do not undermine fundamental rights and due process.
The Government has indicated that amendments may be introduced to the proposed legislation following consultations and consideration of concerns raised by various stakeholders.
The Supreme Court’s determination is expected to clarify the constitutional issues raised in the petitions and establish the requirements, if any, that Parliament must address before proceeding with the Bill.
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