BASL expresses concern over Sports Minister’s allegations against judiciary

• Stresses any form of undue interference with Judicial independence is extremely serious 
• Says such statements made taking cover under Parliamentary privileges, pose a direct threat to judicial independence
• Calls for independent probe regarding allegations made by a Cabinet Minister

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed serious concern over the Parliamentary discussions this week involving ongoing judicial proceedings.

In a statement released yesterday, the BASL said it was disturbed by the allegations made by a Cabinet Minister in Parliament on 8 November concerning the case involving the appointment of an Interim Committee to Sri Lanka Cricket and the purported conduct of a judge of the Court of Appeal.

“The independence of the Judiciary is a fundamental principle of the rule of law and therefore, any form of undue interference with Judicial independence is extremely serious and would erode public confidence in the Judiciary, particularly, matters which are sub judice, thus, should be condemned,” it said.

The BASL said it strongly believes that statements made regarding ongoing court cases and references to judges, purportedly taking cover under parliamentary privileges, pose a direct threat to the independence of the Judiciary.

The organisation also called for an independent and impartial probe into the allegations made against the alleged conduct of a judge due to their serious nature, and if the allegations are in fact true it would undermine the integrity of the judicial system. “If the said allegations are found to be baseless, the same would undermine the independence of the Judiciary and the integrity of the justice system in the country. If any allegation made against the Judiciary is found to be untrue, the same would attract penal sanctions including Contempt of Court,” the BASL warned.

“While reiterating its commitment to upholding the rule of law, BASL strongly calls on the stakeholders to act within the provisions laid down in the Constitution and protect the independence of the Judiciary at any cost,” it said.