Dissanayake contempt case to proceed

[TamilNet, Thursday, 25 May 2000, 14:32 GMT]
A notice has been issued for Sports Minister S.B.Dissanayake to appear before the Supreme Court on June 21 to show cause as to why he should not be found in contempt of court for his controversial remarks about Judges.

The issue is in respect to a reference to the Supreme Court and the impending Constitutional reforms at the annual convention of Architects held recently.

The public address made by Minister Dissanayake was published in the Sunday Times. Ten judges of the Supreme Court requested the Chief Justice to call an affidavit from the Editor of the Sunday Times on the authenticity of this publication.

The Sunday Times Editor, Sinha Ranatunga submitted an affidavit affirming the story.

Subsequently, this comment made by the Minister was perused by three of the Judges of the Supreme Court who decided that it was substantial enough to issue a show cause notice on the minister.

The Supreme Court directed the Attorney General to draft the Rule against the Minister. This draft Rule was submitted to the Court by the Attorney General last week.