Lawyer argues High Court cannot determine gang status in initial stage under Constitution

A lawyer has filed a procedural challenge at the High Court, arguing that gang‑designation cases cannot be heard by the High Court at the first instance.

It is understood that the High Court has accepted a constitutional motion seeking a ruling that the court cannot determine gang status as a first‑stage matter. However, it is not yet known whether hearings have begun. Constitutional cases are typically broadcast live by the High Court.

The lawyer who filed the case argues that allowing the High Court to hear such cases at the initial stage violates the Constitution’s guarantee of a multi‑tiered appeal process.

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has filed a case with the High Court seeking to declare the Addu Scoope group as a gang, the first group to be targeted under the new gang‑designation law enacted last year.

The High Court has decided to continue hearing the case filed by the prosecution. Although hearings began three months ago, no further details have been released.

The PGO said it filed the case after reviewing evidence submitted by the police, alleging that the group meets the statutory criteria of a gang and continues to engage in criminal activity.

The PGO has asked the High Court to declare the group a gang and to identify nine individuals as members. It has also requested an order directing the Sports Commissioner to dissolve SKP Sports Club, which authorities say is linked to the group.