The Chief Justice and the Attorney General (AG) have been requested to clarify if Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Major General (Retd.) Jagath Aiwis had attempted to interfere with the functions of the judiciary in respect of pending cases relating to protests.
In letters sent by the BAR Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), seen by NewsWire, questions have been raised on reports that Jagath Aiwis had attempted to interfere with the functions of the judiciary on cases relating to protests.
The letters claim that according to several articles the said officer had accused judges of lower courts being responsible for the violence which unfolded in Sri Lanka on 09th May.
The BASL, in its letter, has noted that there is a concerted effort by certain parties interested in discrediting the judiciary and the Bar by falsely accusing judges and members of the legal profession of promoting violence.
Pointing out that these elements have gone to the extent of casting aspersions on orders made by judicial officers in certain cases, the BASL letter stated if indeed such a letter has been sent to the Chief Justice and the Attorney General, such letter may be part of the effort to discredit the judiciary.
The BASL views with serious concern any attempt to unlawfully interfere with the administration of justice as the independence of the judiciary is essential for a just and free society in a democratic state.
Public confidence in the system of administration of justice is paramount in today’s context and any attempt which is perceived as being an interference with the judiciary will result in a loss of confidence in the administration of justice, the BASL letter further said.
“In the aforesaid circumstances we respectfully seek from the Chief Justice and the Attorney General clarifications on whether such a letter was received and be made aware of the measures that may have already been taken in this respect,” the BASL has requested in its letters. (NewsWire)