Summoning of AG undermines authority – BASL

The summoning of individuals before Parliament to explain the legitimacy of their acts could seriously undermine the independence and integrity required of such public functionaries, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka stated in a recent communiqué.

“Whilst the legislative supremacy of Parliament is respected, summoning persons before Parliament to explain the legitimacy of their work undermine independence and integrity and could result in public ridicule”, they conferred.

BASL also noted that they were concerned about the Attorney General being summoned before Parliament in connection with orders or decisions related to the functions of his office.

The BASL reiterates that levelling unfair and unfounded allegations are inconsistent with legitimate criticism and can only lead to an erosion of the credibility of the institutions or officers in which such persons function.

Raising its concerns over the growing vilification and personal attacks on the members of the judiciary and on the Attorney General and officers of the Attorney General’s Department giving wider publicity in the media the BASL said that it is the right of the public to objectively criticize the action of judicial officers and public officers in a functioning democracy.