SC fixes inquiry on petition challenging EPC election results

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 15 July 2008, 04:57 GMT]
Supreme Court Monday fixed the inquiry for August 21 into the petitions filed by three candidates of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) seeking the court to nullify the results of the Batticaloa district of the eastern Provincial Council election held on May 10 was not free and fair. At the last date of inquiry the SC issued notices on the respondents cited in the petition to appear in court on Monday, legal sources said.

The petitioners begged court to declare the results of the Batticaloa district elections to the EPC null and void as the respondents had exerted undue influence and encouraged rigging and other malpractices during the election period and on the polling day.

President Counsel D.S.Wijesinghe appeared on behalf of the respondents, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, Chief Minister of the EPC, Minister Ameer Ali, Commissioner of Elections and Batticaloa District returning Officer when the petition was taken up for further inquiry Monday.

President Counsel M.H.Mohamed with Counsel G.G.Arulpiragasam appeared for the petitioners.