AG files indictments against Pillayan, five others

 

The Attorney General has filed indictments in the Batticaloa High Court against six accused including former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pillayan’ and six others over the killing of former TNA parliamentarian Joseph Pararajasingham, the Supreme Court was informed today.

Senior State Counsel Sudarshana de Silva appearing on behalf of the Attorney General made this remark when the Fundamental Rights petition filed by former Eastern Province Chief Minister was taken up for argument. He told Court that this case is to be taken up for trial on November 6 in the Batticaloa High Court.

The former Chief Minister had filed this petition in the Supreme Court seeking a declaration directing the respondents not to object to the petitioner being enlarged on bail.

At a previous occasion, the Supreme Court had granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights petition filed by former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan who is presently held in remand custody.

Three-judge-bench comprising Justice Sisira de Abrew, Justice Priyantha Jayawardena and Justice Vijith Malalgoda fixed the petition for argument on March 20 next year.

Former Chief Minister stated that his arrest on October 11, 2015, the petitioner has been produced before Magistrate on 31 occasions.

Through his petition, he sought a declaration that the petitioner is not held under and in terms of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

In his petition, former Chief Minister cited IGP Pujith Jayasundara, CID Director, Attorney General and six other parties as respondents.

The petitioner further sought a declaration that the respondents have violated infringed the petitioner’s Fundamental Rights to equality before the law and the equal protection of the law, as guaranteed to him under Article 12(1) of the constitution.

Former Chief Minister Pillayan was arrested by the CID on October 11, 2015 when he arrived at the CID office in Colombo to give a statement. He was arrested by the CID in connection with the killing of former TNA parliamentarian Joseph Pararajasingham who was shot dead on December 25, 2005 at the St. Maria’s Church in Batticaloa.

President's Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena appeared for the petitioner. Senior State Counsel Sudarshana de Silva appeared for the Attorney General.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post