The Supreme Court yesterday directed the Attorney General to formulate a rule with contempt of court charges against Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake for allegedly casting insulting remarks on the reputation of the judiciary and lawyers.
A Supreme Court two-judge-Bench comprising Chief Justice Priyasath Dep and Justice Murdu Fernando directed the Attorney General to formulate the rule requesting the Deputy Minister to show cause as to why he should not be dealt with contempt of court charges.
All judges of the Supreme Court had determined to proceed with contempt of court charges against the Deputy Minister after perusing the transcript of the video footage pertaining to the alleged derogatory statement.
Ven. Magalkande Sudantha Thera and R. Sunil Perera, a retired Air Force Officer had made complaints to the Supreme Court seeking a contempt of court action against Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake for allegedly making insulting remarks on the reputation of the judiciary and lawyers, at a press conference held on August 21 last year. Further proceedings into the matter was fixed for July 30.
Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana PC informed the Supreme Court that the Attorney General is expecting to adopt the procedure followed during a contempt of court action filed against S.B. Dissanayake in 2004.
Meanwhile, President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran appearing for Deputy Minister Ramanayake raised objections on the Attorney General’s intervention into the contempt of court case against his client. President’s Counsel Sumanthiran further submitted to court that the Supreme Court should follow the Civil Procedure Code against his client.
Counsel Rasika Dissanayake with Sandun Senadhipathi under the instructions of Sanath Wijewardena appeared for the complainants.
President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran appeared for the respondent.
Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana with Senior State Counsel appeared for the Attorney General.
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