The Supreme Court yesterday stayed any action by the Defence Ministry till July 27, in respect of the dismantling of ‘unauthorized’ dwellings in Slave Island, as a measure of security for the forthcoming SAARC conference.

Thirty one people petitioned that, they had been living in a land that belonged to the Defence Ministry since 1960. They had paid taxes, and their names are in the electoral lists. The children attended the nearby schools. A state represented company had promised them accommodation in the on coming Maligawatte flats. But these are not yet completed.

On July 10, 2008 the Defence Ministry had directed them to vacate the premises within one week. They were not offered alternate lodging. The petitioners alleged arbitrary treatment by the Defence Ministry and requested the court to prevent the petitioners from being ejected from their homes, without they being given ample notice.

The petition is to be supported on July 22, 2008, with notification to the respondents, the Secretary Defence, and a few others.

The petitioners A. R. Boobi and 30 others, had explained that 359 family, comprising about 1700 persons live in these dwellings located at glenny passage, station passage and No 50 gardens of Steuart Street, in Colombo 2, and they had no other place to go. Upul Jayasooriya a appeared for the petitioners.

Senior State Counsel, Rajiv Goonetillake took notice of the petition, on behalf of the State.