Contempt of judiciary: Case to be filed against SLPP lawmaker

Close on the heels of the presidential pardon granted to former Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) lawmaker Ranjan Ramanayake, serving a four-year term RI for contempt of court, a contempt case is to be filed, on Monday, against SLPP MP Sanath Nishantha.Petitioner Attorney-at-law Priyalal Sirisena intends to move the Court of Appeal, in terms of Article 105(3), against the Puttalam District lawmaker over statements made at a media conference, called on August 23, at the SLPP head quarters, Bataramulla.

The petitioner alleged that comments derogatory of the judiciary were made at the media briefing by the former State Minister, who had been arrested over the May 09 attack on those protesting at Galle Face but granted bail.The petitioner alleged that comments had been made pertaining to judicial officers vested with powers to grant bail to those who were brought before them as regards criminal investigations.

The respondents in this case are MP Sanath Nishantha, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the Attorney General.The petitioner has pointed out that statements derogatory of the judiciary were made especially targeting the Fort Magistrate where he was among those who had been charged over May 09 attacks.

Sanath Nishantha recently declared that he would accept a ministerial portfolio as he was among those who formed the Pohottuwa government. Nishantha voted for Ranil Wickremesinghe at the July 20 presidential contest.The petitioner has sought the intervention of the Court of Appeal to direct the AG to bring charges against the MP (SF)