The Court of Appeal has postponed the writ petition filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando, seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with a controversial Sunday sermon.
The petition has been rescheduled for September 21. The Court was informed that the Attorney General has filed limited objections regarding the maintainability of the petition. The Court of Appeal has fixed the matter to be taken up for support on the new date.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has already initiated investigations against Pastor Jerome for allegedly insulting other religions and for potential offenses under section 291B of the Penal Code and section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act of 56 of 2007.
It is alleged that on May 18, 2023, Pastor Jerome addressed a large gathering and made derogatory statements about Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.
Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrema appeared on behalf of the Attorney General, while Jagath Wickramanayake PC represented the petitioner, Jerome Fernando.
