Nagananda Kodithuwakku's petition seeking compensation over debarment dismissed

The petition filed by debarred attorney Nagananda Kodithuwakku seeking compensation from the Supreme Court judge bench which prevented him from practising as a lawyer for three years has been dismissed by the Colombo High Court without a hearing.

Mr. Kodithuwakku, in his petition, had sought a compensation of Rs 100 million each from the three member judge bench which comprised retired Chief Justice Nalin Perera, Justices Sisira de Abrew and Prasanna Jayawardena.

High Court Judge Gihan Kulathunga had dismissed the case after considering a submission made by the Attorney General (AG) who pointed out that Mr. Kodithuwakku was debarred only after a hearing on a contempt of court case.

While emphasising that even witness statements had been called for in the case, the AG added that such judicial proceedings could not be challenged under any circumstances.

Retired Chief Justice Nalin Perera, Justices Sisira de Abrew, Justice Prasanna Jayawardena, and the AG were named as respondents to the petition.

The petitioner had sought compensation by claiming that the respondents had acted in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

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