The Fundamental Rights petitions filed by Bathiudeen brothers seeking an order to release them forthwith from the custody of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) were today fixed for August 25 by Supreme Court.

 

The application requesting that MP Rishad Bathiudeen be restricted to his place of residence from CID custody was yesterday taken up for further support before Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justice Vijith Malalgoda, Justice Gamini Amarasekara and Justice Murdu Fernando.

 

Deputy Solicitor General Madhawa Tennakoon is to resume his further submissions on the next date as well.

 

The two Fundamental Rights petitions had been filed on behalf of former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and his brother Riyaj Bathiudeen challenging their arrest and detention in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks were taken up for support.

 

 

Rishad Bathiudeen is currently being detained at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) under the detention order issued under the Prevention of Terrorism in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.

 

President's Counsel Faiz Mustapha appearing on behalf of Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen had made an application in terms of Section 11 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). According to section 11 of the PTA, the Defence Minister has powers to make an order- restriction of movement of a suspect to a place of residence.

 

 

Mustapha stated that as his client is extremely vulnerable to being affected by the fast-spreading Covid 19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka and there is a grave threat to his 

life by being detained at the CID. He said grave irreparable loss and damage would be caused to him unless interim relief is granted by Supreme Court.

 

Faiz Musthapha PC, instructed by senior counsel Gowry Shangary Thavarasha appeared for the petitioner.