The Court of Appeal yesterday (30) issued a writ of prohibition preventing police from arresting former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and directors and employees of Ceylon Newspapers (Private) Limited in connection with an investigation into allegedly dishonoured cheques.
A two-judge bench comprising Justices Sasi Mahendran and Pradeep Hettiarachchi delivered the judgment following a writ petition filed by Ceylon Newspapers (Private) Limited.
The company had sought an order preventing police from arresting its Chairman, former Minister Tiran Alles, as well as its directors and employees over an investigation concerning allegedly dishonoured cheques issued to a newsprint supplier.
In its judgment, the Court of Appeal held that the transaction in question was a commercial transaction and found insufficient evidence to implicate the petitioner, its directors or employees in the alleged offences.
However, the court clarified that its order does not prevent police from continuing their investigation.
The court stated that if new material is discovered in relation to the disputed transaction, police may take any further action necessary in accordance with the law.
