The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Chandima Weerakkody, has said that the PSC will convene today to proceed with the hearing despite a request from the Supreme Court to suspend the PSC probe until a petition filed against the PSC is heard. The Supreme Court yesterday recommended the PSC to defer its probe on Chief Justice until the court determines the constitutionality of the procedure according to the Article 107 (3) of the Constitution, which deals with the impeachment of a judge. The Deputy Speaker has acknowledged that the Speaker has received the request from the Supreme Court this morning and said the request has been handed over to the PSC which is constitutionally empowered to decide on it. Dr. Bandaranayake, country's first female Chief Justice is charges with 14 counts including failing to adequately declare her assets, improper conduct, misusing power and influencing the process of delivery of justice. The 11-member PSC comprising 7 government and 4 opposition legislators has summoned the Chief Justice to show cause regarding the charges against her. The 54-year-old top judge will be represented by a team of attorneys led by President's Counsel Romesh de Silva on the advice from her law firm Neelakandan and Neelakandan. President's Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetty, Saliya Peiris, Sugath Caldera, Riyad Ameen and Eraj de Silva will comprise the legal team.
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