<span style="color: #222222;">In Srilanka, the Supreme Court today gave an interim order preventing the implementation of the death penalty until the 30th of October. The order was delivered by a three-judge bench while hearing on twelve petitions against the implementation of the death penalty for four drug dealers as approved by President. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Petitioners lawyers pointed out that imposing the death sentence on four selected death row inmates is a violation of Article 12 (1) of the Constitution which ensures that all persons are equal before the law and are entitled to the equal protection of the law.  </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Deputy Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, presenting submissions on behalf of the Attorney General, told the court that the death penalty is a punishment compliant with the Sri Lankan law. Considering the submissions, the Supreme Court ordered that the FR petitions filed against the death penalty would be taken up again on October 29th. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Earlier, Srilankan President Maithripala Sirisena had decided to go ahead with the death sentence despite opposition from several western nations and human rights organizations. </span><br />