Magisterial proceedings against Deshabandu Tennakoon further suspended

• Interim order staying proceedings against DIG Tennakoon, extended until May 19

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Court of Appeal yesterday further extended its interim order staying the proceedings against DIG Tennakoon in the Fort Magistrate’s Court, until May 19.   

 The Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice M.A.R. Marikkar made this order pursuant to a writ petition filed by Senior DIG Tennakoon challenging the magisterial inquiry and issuance of summons against him.  

The Court of Appeal had earlier issued an interim order suspending the operation of summons issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate on Western Province Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon.  
According to this order the Magistrate had been prevented from taking any steps including requiring Senior DIG Tennakoon to stand in the dock.  

On January 26, the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court had issued summons on Deshabandu Tennakoon to appear before Court on February 16 over a criminal accusation that he had allegedly aided and abetted to commit criminal breach of trust with regard to Rs. 17.8 million recovered by protesters inside the President’s House on 9th July.  
Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage decided to name Senior DIG as an accused in a private plaint filed by activist Mahinda Jayasinghe as per the provisions of the section 136(1) (a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act.  
Romesh de Silva PC instructed by Sanath Wijewardane appeared for Deshabandu Tennakoon.