The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with the fundamental rights violation application filed by the World Cup winning national cricket captain, Arjuna Ranatunga.

The petitioner had complained that the Minister of Sports, had dismissed him from the post of Chairman, Interim Committee, Sri Lanka Cricket, without a valid reason.

The mala-fide action of the minister would impair his reputation as an international cricketer, who is a member of the ICC and who had been called upon to be a member of the MCC.

The minister had fallen out with the petitioner, since he refused a request by the minister for Sri Lanka Cricket to host a tea party for 800 guests, at the BMICH, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the minister in politics.

The petitioner had also disagreed that SLC Cricket should sponsor a journalist, to go to Bangladesh, at the behest of the minister.

Thirdly, the petitioner had taken the stand that cricketers should honour their obligation to Sri Lanka, prior to their inclination to play for the IPL.

The third reason also had paved the way for the removal of the petitioner from the post in question.

The petitioner only wanted to clear his name. He had resigned as a deputy minister to promote the issue of national cricket.

The minister should not dismiss persons appointed under section 33 of the sports ordinance. Persons of credibility will be reluctant to take over this job, the petition said.

The petition was supported by Sanjeewa Jayewardene, appearing with Rajiv Amarasuriya.

Leave to proceed was granted on the alleged arbitrary treatment. Hearing will be on May 25.

Senior State Counsel, Nerin Pulle appeared for the state.

The Bench comprised the Chief Justice, Sarath N. Silva, Justice J. A. N. de Silva and Justice Chandra Ekanayake.