The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) yesterday filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court challenging the President’s decision to pardon Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven.Galagoda Atte Gnanasara Thera.
Ven.Gnanasara Thera was jailed for six years after being found guilty of Contempt of Court over his conduct during a court hearing regarding the case of missing journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda.
On May 23, Ven.Gnanasara Thera was released from Welikada prison on being granted a Presidential pardon. This petition had been filed by CPA
Executive Director Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu stating the decision to pardon Ven. Gnanasara Thera was a threat to judicial integrity and undermining the authority of Court.
They sought a declaration that the petitioners’ fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 12(1) of the constitution have been violated.
On October 5, 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the Court of Appeal judgement that found Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Atte Gnanasara Thera guilty over his contemptuous behaviour inside the Homagama Magistrate’s Court on January 25, 2016.
On August 2018, Ven.Gnanasara Thera was sentenced to 19 years rigorous imprisonment, to be served concurrently within six years by the Court of Appeal over his contemptuous behaviour inside the Homagama Magistrate’s Court.
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