State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake through his counsel yesterday expressed his regret if his utterances have caused any contempt towards the Supreme Court.
President’s Counsel Faiz Musthapha appearing for State Minister Ramanayake made these remarks when the second Contempt of Court case filed against him came up before the Supreme Court three-judge-bench headed by Chief Justice Nalin Perera. Accordingly, the second Contempt of Court case filed against State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake for allegedly making a derogatory statement regarding the Supreme Court was yesterday fixed for June 12.
Faiz Musthapha PC informed Court that his client was denying contempt allegations and has reservations on the accuracy of the statement before court. He further said his client’s intention was not to cause contempt but he was acting in good faith and merely exercising his right of expression.
Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Rajaratnam appearing for the Attorney General informed court that the next step in this process would be bringing a rule against the respondent.
State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake was present before Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Chief Justice Nalin Perera, Justice Prasanna Jayawardena and Justice Vijith K. Malalgoda.
State Minister Ramanayake had recently made a comment to the media regarding an ongoing case at the Supreme Court, in a manner of insulting and damaging the reputation of the judiciary.
At a previous occasion, the Attorney General informed Supreme Court that the Attorney General is expecting to formulate a rule with Contempt of Court charges against State Minister Ramanayake for allegedly making a derogatory statement regarding the Supreme Court.
The Attorney General had further stated that the statement made by Ranjan Ramanayake was tantamount to Contempt of Court in terms of Article 105 of the constitution and necessary action to be taken accordingly.
Another Contempt of Court case had been filed against MP Ranjan Ramanayake for allegedly casting insulting remarks on the reputation of the judiciary and lawyers. This matter is to be taken up for argument on March 26.
President’s Counsel Faiz Musthapa with counsel Chandimal Mendis, Ashan Fernando, K.S. Tillakaratne, Sarasi Paranamanna under the instructions of Sandun Gamage appeared for Ranjan Ramanayake. Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Rajaratnam appeared for the Attorney General.
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