Pastor Jerome withdraws writ application

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The writ petition filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando seeking an order preventing police from arresting him in connection with the controversial Sunday sermon was yesterday withdrawn by his lawyers before the Court of Appeal.  

The Attorney General had earlier raised objections against the petition over misrepresentation and suppression of material facts.   President’s Counsel Jagath Wickramanayake appearing for Pastor Jerome Fernando sought court’s permission to withdraw the application reserving his rights to file a fresh application.  

Accordingly, the writ petition was dismissed by Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justices Sobhitha Rajakaruna and
M.A.R. Marikkar.  

The Attorney General had told court that the CID has already commenced investigations against Pastor Jerome for insulting other religions and for the alleged commission of offenses under section 291B of the Penal Code and section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act of 56 of 2007.  

Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrema and State Counsel Rajika Aluwihare appeared for the State. Jagath Wickramanayake PC appeared for the Petitioner
Jerome Fernando.