The gazette notification was on the efficiency bar examinations conducted for government servants where it allows the government to terminate employment of those who successively fail in the efficiency bar examination. The Trade Union Federation in its application to Court stated that it was the Public Service Commission which has the right to decide on conditions of employment. It further said enactment of laws on government policies contravenes section 12(1) of the Constitution.

The Public Service Commission, its Secretary, the Attorney General and 12 others have been named as respondents.

The All Ceylon Trade Union Federation, Ceylon Teachers Service Union, All Ceylon Railway Employees Union, All Ceylon Health Workers Union and seven other government sector employees’ unions have been named petitioners in the application.