Case against former CJ Sarath Silva to be heard on May 08 ; Justice Jayawardana recuses himself

The Supreme Court today announced that it would hear the contempt of court case against former Chief Justice Sarath Silva, on May 08.

This was announced when the case was taken up before a three-member trial-at-bar comprising Justices Priyantha Jayawardana, Murdu Fernando, and E.A.G.A. Amarasekara today (Feb 07).

Meanwhile, Justice Priyantha Jayawardana citing personal reasons recused himself from hearing the case.

President's Counsel Upul Jayasuriya during today's hearing had raised an objection since the former Chief Justice was seated in the attorney's bench while clad in  civil attire.

The former Chief Justice has been accused of making defamatory comments against the judiciary at a public rally in Maradana on March 12 last year.

The petition against the accused was filed by three individuals including Professor Chandra Gupta Thenuwara, who had called for the reason as to why former Chief Justice Silva was not stripped off his title as an Attorney despite his defamatory comments against the judiciary.

The petitioners requested an interim order be issued on Mr. Silva in order to prevent him from making such comments in future.