SC instructs AG to file charge sheet against Ranjan over contempt of court case

The Supreme Court today (Jun 12) instructed the Attorney General (AG) to file a charge sheet against Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake, regarding an ongoing contempt of court case within a month.

The case was taken up before a Supreme Court judge bench of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Vijith Malalgoda, and Murdu Fernando.

During a previous hearing, the lawyer appearing for Mr. Ramanayake had told court that his client would extend an apology over the case. Accordingly, the judge bench today announced that the apology could be tendered only after a charge sheet is submitted against the accused.

President's Counsel Faiz Mustapha, representing the Deputy Minister, told court that the accused has no objection towards a charge sheet being filed against him. 

Court had also accepted a request made by Mr. Mustapha to provide an opportunity for his client to express his remarks on the case. The case was then adjourned until July 30.

Deputy Minister Ramanayake has been accused of making derogatory remarks on the Supreme Court judge bench which was appointed to hear the fundamental rights petition challenging the President's decision to dissolve Parliament.