The concept of the Rule of Law is a cardinal feature of any democratic regime, and it is interpreted and enforced by the Courts of Law.
The Supreme Court is empowered by the constitution of the country to dispense justice on matters brought before it, according to the provisions of the constitution, legal principles, conventions, customs and precedents (judicial), etc.
Laws passed in Parliament by the legislators (MPs) would be null and void in the absence of the courts. If the state sets an example of dishonouring court orders, whether it be the Magistrate’s Court or the Supreme Court, there is a possibility that the law of the jungle would take over.
Such a situation would result in the courts being closed, lawyers being out of work, and a breakdown of such institutions as the Law College, the Attorney-General’s Department, the Bar Association, the Legal Aid Commission, and so on.
What a terrible situation that would be.
J. Manamperi,
Matara |
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