Contempt of court cases against State Minister fixed for 27 June

The Court of Appeal yesterday (28) fixed three contempt of court cases against State Minister Sanath Nishantha for inquiry on 27 June, 2023.

The bench comprised Court of Appeal Justices (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and M.A.R. Marikkar.

The date was fixed after Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama appearing for the Attorney General informed the court that the Government Analyst’s report pertaining to the video footage containing the alleged defamatory statement made by the State Minister had been received.

The Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka (JSASL), the organisation representing all District Court Judges and Magistrates and two lawyers had filed contempt of court applications.

The Court of Appeal earlier issued summons on Sanath Nishantha to show cause as to why he should not be punished for contempt of Court.

The JSASL President Magistrate Prasanna Alwis, its Secretary Additional District Judge Pasan Manoj Amarasena and two lawyers Vijitha Kumara and Priyalal Sirisena filed these applications naming State Minister Sanath Nishantha as the respondent.

President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva appeared for the Judicial Service Association. Faiz Mustapha PC with Faizer Mustapha PC appeared for the SLPP Puttalam District lawmaker.