Mohamed Hussain Hajiar Muhammad et al. v. Election Commission of Sri Lanka et al. – SC FR NO. 35/2016-2017

In the case between former local authority chairpersons and electors from the Districts of Galle and Matara (Petitioners) and the Election Commission of Sri Lanka along with its Chairman and members (Respondents), the court addressed the alleged failure to hold timely local authority elections as required by constitutional and statutory provisions. It was held that, although the Election Commission and its members were not found to have directly violated statutory duties due to delays stemming from the delimitation process mandated by Act No. 22 of 2012, the overall delay in conducting elections infringed the fundamental right to franchise under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The court directed respondents to take all necessary steps to hold elections without further delay, reaffirming