COLOMBO, Nov. 9 -- The Supreme Court on Monday (9) concluded hearings on 26 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the government's proposed Prevention of Organized Crimes Bill, after the Attorney General informed the Court that several key provisions are to be amended during the Committee Stage in Parliament.

The Court, which commenced hearings on the petitions on November 4, took it up again on Monday to hear the Attorney General's position on the proposed amendments

Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, Solicitor General President's Counsel Viraj Dayaratne said the proposed amendments included reducing the period an arrested person could be detained without being produced before a Magistrate from 72 hours to 48 hours. ...