The BAR Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has condemned the parliament’s move to refer an order made by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka to the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
Re- affirming its commitment to upholding the Rule of Law and safeguarding the Independence of the Judiciary, the BASL in a statement said the recent trend of pressure being exerted over the Judiciary would potentially threaten and undermine these important principles.
The BASL is of the view that the Judiciary should be allowed to operate independently, free from external pressures, threats or any interference, for a vibrant democracy to exist.
The BASL said it is aware that an order the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has been referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Privileges interfering in the judicial process.
The BASL has considered this matter and is strongly of the view that there has been no violation of the powers and the privileges of Parliament, by this order.Further, the Supreme Court being an independent institution should not be called upon to explain judicial orders to any other person or Institution, the Bar Association stressed.
Therefore, the BASL is of the view that it is the duty of all governmental and other institutions to respect and observe the independence of the judiciary, and any interference in the judicial process, sets a dangerous precedent, which must be strongly condemned.