Sunday, June 28, 2015

Abuse Of ‘Tax Fraud Permits’ By MPs & Ministers: Supreme Court Allows Bringing New Evidence

Colombo TelegraphJune 28, 2015
A Writ Case filed before the Supreme Court against the Corruption Commission by the Public Interest Litigator and the lawyer Nagananda Kodituwakku, was taken up before a Bench presided over by Justice Priyasad Dep and comprising of Justices Sisira de Abrew and Anil Goonarathe on Friday. When this Writ Application was filed before the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice had been informed that the Petitioner-Counsel had no trust and confidence in some Judges therefore not to appoint them to hear this case.
Ministers vehicle on wrong side of road opposite British high CommissionLawyer Kodituwakku submitted to the Court that the case is all about the total breach of trust and confidence placed in the MPs and the Ministers by the people, which also includes unlawful disposal of tax-free car permits for unjust enrichment. The Counsel further informed that being the guardian of the Rule of Law, the Court is under duty to uphold the Rule of law when it is abused even by the Executive or the Legislature.
The Court was further informed that the Petitioner-Counsel had discovered very important material that clearly demonstrate the gross abuse of the tax free permit scheme introduced in the public interest. This includes improper treasury directives removing the restrictions imposed on the tax-free permits and some important paperwork, such as power of attorneys and sales agreements entered into with the buyers of such permits. Therefore, permission of the court was sought to file the said fresh evidence and to support the case before the same Bench with the Petition amended accordingly.