Jan 16, Colombo: Director of Sri Lanka's Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA) Paikyasothi Saravanamutu has filed a petition in Supreme Court against the appointment of the new Chief Justice Mohan Peiris.

The petitioner seeks a court order to prevent the appointment and injunction preventing Mohan Peiris covering the duties of the post of Chief Justice.

The petitioner cites that the impeached Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake has right to remain in the position since the Supreme Court has ruled the impeachment procedure was unconstitutional and also since the Appellate Court has issued a writ against the parliamentary select committee.

The petitioner had moved that the petition should be heard yesterday itself since it contained matters crucial for public. However the Supreme Court did not take up the motion as requested.

Members of the parliamentary council that recommend the appointment of Chief Justice, the Attorney General and new Chief Justice Mohan Peiris have been named as the respondents of the petition.