The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) is in the process of finalising charges to be filed against Industries and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s alleged actions against the Magistrate of Mannar.
BASL Secretary, Sanjay Gamage told Ceylon Today that the case was to be filed yesterday however, since it was only the decision of the Executive Committee, they decided to seek the approval of the Bar Council on Friday and proceed with the case on Saturday at the Court of Appeals.
Former BASL President and President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva would move Contempt of Court charges.
BASL at an emergency meeting held on Thursday unanimously expressed its strong condemnation and abhorrence of the incident which took place in Mannar, where the Court premises came under attack and the District Judge and Magistrate A. Judeson was threatened and subjected to questioning by the Minister.
Gamage said that in the unanimous view of the Executive Committee, this conduct amounts to a serious and unwarranted interference with the Administration of Justice and the Judicial process and undoubtedly amounts to Contempt of Court.
The BASL is also taking steps to initiate contempt proceedings against the wrong doers, including the Minister, to vindicate the honour, dignity and the respect of the holders of judicial office and of the judicial system.
Meanwhile, some lawyers were engaged in a protest in front of the Hulftsdorp Court Complex, yesterday against the intimidation of a Magistrate and attack on the Mannar Court.
Ceylon Today learns the lawyers were demanding the immediate arrest of Bathiudeen over the incidents.
According to Senior Lawyer, J. C. Weliamuna a petition was filed against Minister Rishad Bathiudeen at the Court of Appeal, under the charges of threatening a judge and attacking a court.
By Ifham Nizam
CT