Ex-CJ claims vengeance behind move to probe him

30 October 2011 04:05 pm

While charging that the proposed probe against him would affect the independence of the entire judiciary, former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva today claimed the present move was a result of his decision to turn down a government request to join the ruling party. He later supported common opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka at the last presidential election.

Addressing a media conference the former Chief Justice alleged it was a move directed at slinging mud at him.

He also stressed that Parliament could not probe anything other than financial misdeeds.

The retired Chief Justice made this point with regard to a motion that has been handed over to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa by some government MPs calling him to appoint a Parliamentary Select committee to probe the conduct of the ex CJ during his term of office. These MPs had charged that Mr. Silva during his tenure had allegedly insulted the Judiciary and asked that those affected by what they called “unjust” decisions be compensated.

Mr. Silva said such a probe would be a bad precedent as it would prevent senior judicial officers from working independently. (Yohan Perera)