Police confirm Mullaitivu judge failed to file complaint on threats

Former Mullaitivu District 

Judge T. Saravanaraja 

• Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa claims Judge T. Saravanaraja had not lodged a complaint nor informed his PSO of any threat 
• Thalduwa denies that Police protection provided to the judge was reduced at any juncture 
• Justice Minister says responsibility is with Saravanaraja since he chose not to use powers when attempts to influence him were made 

By Maneshka Borham

Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa yesterday revealed that the former Mullativu District Judge T. Saravanaraja had not filed any complaint with the police regarding the alleged threats he claimed to have faced which resulted in his sudden resignation. 

Speaking to the Daily FT, Thalduwa said Saravanaraja had neither complained to the police nor informed his Personal Security Officer (PSO) of any threats to his life. Thalduwa made this revelation in a context where certain parties have raised doubts about the authenticity of Saravanaraja’s claims.

Last week Saravanaraja hastily left the island. In his resignation, the judge claimed his decision was prompted by threats to his life, pressures and harassment faced over orders issued by him regarding the contentious Kurunthamalai case. He has since alleged his security was reduced and he was also trailed by intelligence officials. The judge also accused Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam of attempting to force him to reverse several of his orders over the case. 

Thalduwa also denied the claims that police protection given to the judge had been reduced at any juncture. The Police Spokesman said following the judge’s departure from the island last week, he had contacted his PSO and informed the latter to report to the nearest police station as his service would no longer be required. 

“The CID has commenced investigations into the incident on instructions of the Minister of Public Security. However no information regarding any threats have been revealed yet,” he said. 

Meanwhile, during yesterday’s Parliamentary session, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said that if the judge did indeed face threats to his life, he should have not waited until after leaving the country to complain.  “If he was subjected to undue influence, he should not have left the country and should have filed a complaint. According to the constitution, he possessed the authority to issue notices to the person who attempted to exert undue influence on him, summon that individual before the court, or even issue a warrant for their arrest,” he remarked.  “He had the capability to file a case and ensure the wrongdoer is punished, refer it to the Appellate Court, or even escalate it to the Supreme Court. If he chose not to exercise these powers, he should bear the responsibility,” Rajapakshe added. Responding to a question posed by the Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella, Rajapakshe said the Government has no authority to probe the incident and any complaint should be directed to the Judicial Services Commission of Sri Lanka.