News
First E-applicant gets Bail
On Zoom :Judge Adithya Patabendi and below lawyer Ranjith Heelage
A 56 year old woman from Maligawatta, Colombo who has been in remand jail for two years on charges of possessing Heroin was the first to get the benefit of a virtual hearing on her bail application conducted by the Colombo High Court this week.
High Court Judge Adhithya Patabendi sitting in his chambers took up the application via Zoom.
Attorney at Law Ranjith Heelage appearing for the suspect, Shivaraman Shanthikumari made his submissions from his chamber at his residence while State Counsel Nadi Aparna Suwandurugoda made her submissions from her office at the Attorney General’s Department.
Defence Counsel Heelage said that his client, has been in judicial custody since December 2018 on an allegation that she was in possession of 75.7 grams of Heroin, but no charges had been filed against her so far.
He said that it is one and half years since the Government Analyst report was received .
Considering her diabetic medical condition and cardiology issues, and taking into account that she has spent two years in remand custody already, he pleaded that bail be considered.
State Counsel Suwandurugoda objected to granting of bail and said that the filing of action has been delayed as the Police has not completed the file and sent it to the AG’s Department.
Considering the facts before him, Judge Patabendi released the suspect on Rs 250,000 cash bail with two sureties.
