Contempt case against Sarath Silva: SC defers case for 7 February

Thursday, 24 January 2019 02:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By S.S. Selvanayagam

The Supreme Court yesterday (23) deferred for 7 February the Contempt of Court petition filed against former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva by Senior Prof. Chandraguptha Thenuwara, Prof. Hewa Waduge Cyril, and Senior Prof. Prashantha Gunawardena.

The Bench comprising Justices Vijith K. Malalgoda, Murdu Fernando and S.Thurairaja directed the petitioner to notify 2nd Respondent Attorney General.

Upul Jayasuriya PC appeared for the Petitioners. 1st Respondent Sarath Silva was present in Court and represented by Counsels. Romesh de Silva PC with Sugath Caldera and Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC appeared for him.

The petitioners state that on 3 December 2018, former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva addressed a rally at Maradana junction organised by the ‘Jathika Ekamuthuwa’ organisation, a group loyal to Mahinda Rajapaksa MP.

They impugn that the 1st Respondent Sarath Silva made his speech in utter contempt of Court, particularly of the Interim Order delivered by the Supreme Court on 13 November 2018 and the Interim Order delivered by the Court of Appeal on the evening of 3 December 2108. They state the Respondent deliberately, maliciously and contemptuously made statements in relation to the court process, the judgment and the conduct of the Court. They point out that the said threats, insinuations, comments and statements have been uttered in public by Sarath Silva and thus the said acts amount to a gross Contempt of Court.

Petitioners are seeking the Court to charge him on the offence of Contempt of the Supreme Court and to impose sentence on him.