Hakeem hopes the Commissioner will rectify the situation

The Appeals Court on Thursday ordered the elections commissioner to report on 13 March whether rejected nomination papers of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) will be reaccepted.

General Secretary of the SLMC, Hasan Ali, on Wednesday produced 12 petitions against the decision by the commissioner to reject SLMC nomination papers in Chilaw district.

"Injustice"

A legal representative for the SLMC pointed out that the Colombo District Court has withdrawn the interim order earlier issued preventing SLMC contesting in the 30 March local polls.

The court issued an injunction order followed by a hearing of a petition filed by a member of the SLMC which said that the leader and the Gen. Secretary have no authority to sign the nomination papers as they are not recognised as party officials.

The petitioner said annual convention of the party was not held for a long period of time and therefore they are no longer the officer bearers of the party.

SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem told BBC Sandeshaya that the members who left the party for ministerial posts and expelled members are trying to prevent the SLMC contesting elections.

He expressed hope that the commissioner will rectify the “injustice” occurred as a result of their actions.

Government’s legal representative said the commissioner is considering the possibilities of reaccepting the nominations after the second District Court ruling.

The hearing was postponed for 13 March.