Sri Lanka, Oct. 21 -- Counsel representing petitioners challenging the constitutionality of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill told the Supreme Court yesterday that the legislation could severely undermine individual freedoms and pose a greater threat to civil liberties than the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The submissions were made when 25 Special Determination petitions challenging the Bill were heard before a three-judge Supreme Court Bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Abayakoon.

Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah, appearing for several petitioners, including two journalists and former PTA detainees, argued that the proposed legislation would sub...