Lawyers consider writ of quo warranto against ‘new’ CJ

14 January 2013 02:16 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Lawyers’ Collective headed by Dr. JayampathiWickremarathne while claiming that they would not accept the 'purported' appointment of a new Chief Justice said a writ of quo warranto could be taken against any person accepting such appointment.

Speaking at a specially convened press conference, Dr. Wickremarathne flanked by senior lawyers SrinathPerera PC, J.C. Weliamuna, Kumar Rathnawel, Chandrapala Kumarage and a host of other lawyers said the dismissal and appointment of a another person to the Position of Chief Justice was illegal.

“It is entirely illegal and any citizen can seek a writ against any person who accepts such an appointment. The writ is sought against the person benefiting from such appointment and not the President who is immune from such action under article 25 of the constitution” he said. “The writ is sought to question the authority under which the new person would be acting.”

Speaking further, Dr. Wickremarathne explained the consequences of such an unconstitutional appointment stating that the validity and legality of any decision made by such an appointee is questionable.

“The purported appointee will also be ex-officio Chairman of the Judicial Services Commission which has all the authority to effect transfers and take administrative actions affecting the judiciary. All of these actions can be deemed illegal because the appointment itself is illegal and unconstitutional” he said.

All lawyers present reiterated that they would continue to respect the Chief Justice Dr. ShiraniBandaranayake as the Chief Justice of the country and stated that the sacking and new appointment was illegal.

Lawyer ChandrapalaKumarage said according to rumours the new appointee was a person at the helm of the Attorney General’s Department.

“During the past few years the Attorney General’s Department took back cases against politicians accused of murder and other such activities. This is the sort of person that the government is considering to appoint to the helm of the judiciary” he said.

SrinathPerera PC, urged the country to unite in what he termed ‘the darkest hour of our lives”

J. C. Weliamuna said the current Chief Justice had faced the worst trial in history ever faced by a judge.

“We salute her for her courage and will stand by any decision she takes. She faced the worst trial in history which was faced by any judge. Nowhere in the world has this sort of trial against a judge taken place. We have faced threats and intimidation during the past few weeks. The judges have also been intimidated but we will go on with this struggle towards an independent judiciary” he said.(By HafeelFarisz)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 11

Vernon Monday, 14 January 2013 02:31 PM

Hope MP will realize at least now the gravity of the hasty, ill-advised and dictatorial decision and steps he has taken, and will take necessary steps to avoid this deadlock. The entire country (except his goons) realize that it was a case political victimization. If CJ was at fault then a fair trail should have been given. We all the independent citizens (except his goons) realize that a fair trial was not held and this is pure political vengeance.

Real Peace Monday, 14 January 2013 02:44 PM

It's a war between educated and civilised people vs uneducated thugs....!! Consequences could be very damaging for the country....!!

Imran Hussein Monday, 14 January 2013 02:56 PM

We too salute the CJ for her courage and majority of the people (those who with some brain) stand by any decision she takes.
Keep up the fight Sirs. You guys are a brave bunch.
By the way one can argue that the President cannot enjoy immunity anymore since he had broken the constitution during this case. Its a complete breach, isnt it?

Lucky Weeramantry Monday, 14 January 2013 03:03 PM

Teach This Govt A Lesson. We Need The Peoples Power

Puswedilla Tuesday, 15 January 2013 12:00 AM

lawyers in this country are a bunch of sheep tied by their tails they will only shout baaaaa .... and moment the Wolf comes they will run after the shepherd via DM Android App

Iqbal Monday, 14 January 2013 10:55 PM

The new 'CJ' will be a rubber stamp of the president.

Lion Tuesday, 15 January 2013 12:38 AM

Well done sir the whole country is with you all.

One Gang Tuesday, 15 January 2013 12:54 AM

This is the same group who unsuccessfully sought the help of United Nations to stop the Vanni operation in 2009.

MalcomX Tuesday, 15 January 2013 01:27 AM

faith, hope and justice as the 5th col. recounts

jUNIOR cITIZEN Tuesday, 15 January 2013 01:53 AM

Goons, My FOOT ! --There are 'GOONS' paid by Lalith Kothalawala's billions, using poor depositors money, to continue protest apart from Dollars flowing in to NGO funds.

Roshan Tuesday, 15 January 2013 06:06 AM

Yes, anybody who oppose the Govt is included in this group.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Lawyers consider writ of quo warranto against ‘new’ CJ

Comments - 11

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident