Contempt of court: Legal battle on against Hirunika

June 14 -  A contempt of court application filed against former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra was today fixed for September 11 by the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal two-judge bench, comprising Justices (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Shashi Mahendran, observed that there is no necessity for former MP Hirunika Premachandra to personally appear before the court since a rule has not yet been served on her in connection with a contempt of court application.

President's Counsel Farman Cassim, appearing for Hirunika Premachandra, brought to the court's attention that his client is not required to personally appear before the court since a charge sheet has not been served on her regarding this application.

The petitioner, Hisham Jamaldeen alleged that respondent Hirunika Premachandra had made a statement to the media regarding the order of the Magistrate in granting bail to him while there is an ongoing proceeding before the Magistrate's Court of Mount Lavinia.

It was alleged that the conduct of the respondent is tantamount to interference with ongoing judicial proceedings and an attempt to create suspicions in the minds of the public towards the administration of justice. The petitioner is seeking an order to issue a rule under Section 10(3) (a) of the Contempt of Court, Tribunal or Institution Act No.08 of 2024.

Counsel Nishan Sydney Premathiratne with Gamindu Karunasena, instructed by Sarravanan Neelakandan Law Associates, appeared on behalf of the petitioner.