The Court of Appeal has scheduled a contempt of court application against former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra for September 11. The two-judge bench, comprising Justices Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne (President) and Shashi Mahendran, noted that Premachandra need not personally appear as a rule has not yet been served on her.
President's Counsel Farman Cassim, representing Premachandra, emphasized that his client is not required to appear since no charge sheet has been served.
The petitioner, Hisham Jamaldeen, alleges that Premachandra made a media statement about a Magistrate's order granting him bail, which he claims interferes with ongoing judicial proceedings and undermines public confidence in the administration of justice. He seeks an order to issue a rule under Section 10(3)(a) of the Contempt of Court, Tribunal or Institution Act No.08 of 2024.
Counsel Nishan Sydney Premathiratne, with Gamindu Karunasena and instructed by Sarravanan Neelakandan Law Associates, appeared for the petitioner.
