Three magistrate courts in Jaffna refused to ban Maveerar Naal commemorative events

Three Magistrate Courts in Jaffna refused to issue orders preventing civilian-led Maveerar Naal- Martyrs Day- commemorative events this week to remember their loved ones under COVID-19 regulations. 

Accordingly, Mallakam, Point Pedro and Chavakachcheri Magistrate Courts rejected the applications filed by the police today seeking court order to prevent any such commemorative events in coming days. 

However, Jaffna Magistrate Court issued an order preventing such commemorative events under its jurisdiction after police filed an application early this week. 

Police filed applications under the clauses of Penal Code, Prevention of Terrorism Act and COVID-19 Health guidelines on the basis that the events could to the violations of the laws in the country. 

However, police in other districts such as Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu and Mannar secured court orders against commemorative events under similar provisions. 

Refusing to grant orders, Magistrate Courts stressed that police can take action if regulations are violated in the events. 

Maveerar Naal or Martyrs Day was designated as a common commemorative day by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to remember its fallen cadres and those who were killed during the war since the 1980s. (N. Thayalan)