Sri Lanka, March 22 -- This case is about a legal dispute concerning the retirement age of an employee (the petitioner) who is an English copy typist. The petitioner argues that his employer (Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation) forced him to retire at 55 years, which he believes is unfair.

The petitioner made an application under Article 126 of the Constitution which empowers the Supreme Court to enforce fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. (Reddiar v. Van Houten and Others - SLR - 265, Vol 1 of 1988 [1980] LKSC 4; (1988) 1 Sri LR 265 (9 June 1980).).

The petitioner argues that his right to equality (Article 12) and right to engage in any lawful occupation or profession (Article 14) have been violated.

He cites in his...