The Centre for Policy Alternative (CPA) and its Executive Director, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu has filed a Petition in the Supreme Court (SC SD 13/2022) challenging the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill which was placed on the Order Paper of Parliament on the 10th February 2022, The Morning learns. The Bill to amend the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979 was tabled in parliament on the 10th of February by Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris. Pursuant to the relevant amendments, the aggregate period of detention of a person under a detention order will be reduced from 18 months to 12 months. The amendments will enable magistrates to visit the place of detention to ensure that the suspect is protected to the extent provided for in the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act, No. 22 of 1994, Meanwhile, a detainee will be allowed to apply for a remedy guaranteed under Article 126 or 140 of the Constitution. In addition, the amendments will enable the suspect to be produced before a judicial medical officer to ensure that such person has not been subjected to torture and provide for holding trials on a day-to-day basis to ensure the expeditious disposal of cases. Further, provisions will be made by the amendments for granting of bail to persons in remand or in detention and to question an Order made or direction given under the principal enactment despite the protection afforded to officers for any act or thing done or purported to be done in good faith.