Another lawyer files contempt papers in the Court of Appeal against Sanath Nishantha

August 30, 2022

Another lawyer today filed contempt papers in the Court of Appeal seeking an order to punish Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha for committing the offence of contempt of court under the provisions of the constitution.

The petitioner, Vijitha Kumara, an attorney-at-law representing Polonnaruwa Bar Association filed this application, naming Puttlam District Parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha as the respondent, bringing the total petitions to two.

The petitioner states that Sanath Nishantha has been named as a suspect in a case before the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court for attacking Galle Face protesters on May 9, 2022, and that investigations are still being carried out by the CID.

The petitioner stated that on or around August 23, 2022, Sanath Nishantha, addressing a press conference held at the party headquarters of the SLPP, made certain comments on the judiciary of Sri Lanka, especially in relation to the judicial officers.

The petitioner states the remarks made by MP Sanath Nishantha are in contempt of court inasmuch as the said remarks are calculated to undermine the authority of the judiciary, including the court of the first instance. He further alleged that the said remarks were calculated to bring the judiciary and the members of the judiciary into disrepute.

The petitioner further maintained that remarks made by MP Sanath Nishantha are calculated to undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

The petitioner is seeking an order directing the private television channel to submit the video which contains the entire statement made by the respondent on August 23 at the media conference held at the headquarters of SLPP.

The petitioner is further seeking an order to punish parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha for committing the offence of contempt of court under and in terms of Article 105(3) of the Constitution. This application has been filed through Attorney-at-law Manjula Balasooriya