Sri Lanka, Nov. 5 -- The Supreme Court yesterday commenced hearing 26 Special Determination petitions challenging the constitutionality of the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, with counsel who appeared on behalf of the petitioners raising concerns over provisions relating to detention orders, restrictions on bail, court reporting and the determination of membership in organised criminal groups.

The petitions were taken up before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Abayakoon.

Appearing for senior journalist Malinda Seneviratne, President's Counsel Romesh de Silva submitted that Clause 21 of the proposed Bill effectively undermines judicial power by ...