The Colombo High Court has scheduled the inquiry for the bail application filed on behalf of Pastor Jerome Fernando for January 4, 2024. The pastor, who recently faced arrest and remand by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), is under scrutiny for contentious remarks made about Buddhism and other religions.
High Court Judge Aditya Patabendi presided over the hearing where the decision to postpone the inquiry to January 4, 2024, was made. Pastor Fernando's legal team had submitted the bail application, and the court will deliberate on the matter in the upcoming session.
The arrest of Pastor Jerome Fernando came after a video of one of his sermons, containing alleged offensive statements regarding Lord Buddha and other religions, circulated on social media. The controversy sparked public outrage, prompting the CID to take legal action against the pastor.
In response to the escalating situation, Pastor Jerome Fernando left the country for Singapore following the widespread dissemination of the controversial video. However, upon his return, he was apprehended at the airport, leading to his subsequent remand. A travel ban had been issued by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court during this period.
Senior State Counsel Shavendra Wickrama represented the Attorney General during the proceedings, while President Counsel Anuja Premaratna appeared on behalf of Pastor Jerome Fernando. The upcoming bail inquiry is anticipated to shed further light on the legal intricacies surrounding the case.
