AG’s Dept. says will raise preliminary objections

The Attorney General's Department yesterday informed Supreme Court that it would raise preliminary objections against the Fundamental Rights petition filed seeking an order to immediately arrest Former LTTE commander and armed group leader Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias 'Karuna Amman’ over a controversial statement he made recently.

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Haripriya Jayasundara appearing for the Attorney General told court that she is expecting to raise preliminary objections against the petition since it had not been filed within the time period stipulated in the Constitution.

However, counsel Yalith Wijesurendra appearing for the petitioner submitted to court that his client is challenging the offensive statement made by Karuna Amman for making a hate speech, which could be punishable under International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.

Supreme Court two-judge-bench comprising Justice Priyantha Jayawardena and Justice Vijith Malalgoda fixed petition to be taken up for support on September 28.