Court restrains Hakim functioning as SLMC leader

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 03 December 2002, 14:39 GMT]
The Colombo District Court Tuesday issued restraining order on Minister Rauff Hakim preventing him from interfering with the leadership of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and its high command. After considering a petition filed by Minister Mr. A.L.M.Athaullah and eleven others including the new President of the SLMC Mr.Subairdeen the Additional District Judge Mr. Leslie Abeyagunaratne issued the said restraining order, legal sources in Colombo said.

The Additional District Judge said the restraining order would be effective till 13th December. According to the restraining order Mr.Rauff Hakim has been prevented from discharging duties as the President of the SLMC. Mr.Hakim has been further prevented from summoning the politburo of the SLMC thereby intervening in the activities of the party.

Meanwhile the SLMC 'rebel' leader Minister Mr.Athaullah Tuesday made a request in parliament to invite him for the meeting of leaders of political parties represented in the House. He brought to the notice of the chairperson Ms Larine Perera that Mr.Rauff Hakim is no more the President of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress. Hence he should be invited for the future meetings of the party leaders, Mr.Athaullah pointed out.

Minister Mr.A.H.M.Azwer intervened and asked Mr.Athaullah to bring the matter to the notice of the Speaker Mr.Joseph Michael Perera. Ms Larine Perera who was presiding over the debate on the budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Power and Energy said she would also inform the matter to the Speaker .