Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Shakthika’s FR petition challenging his arrest and detention fixed for argument

27 October 2021 05:40 pm - 0     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by award-winning writer Shakthika Sathkumara challenging his arrest and detention over an allegation that he propagated religious hatred through a short story titled "Ardha" (Half) has been fixed for argument by Supreme Court.
 
On April 1, 2019, Sathkumara was arrested by Polgahawela police for allegedly propagating religious hatred through his literary work over offences under Penal Code and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act.
 
Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, Justice Kumuduni Wickremasinghe and Justice Arjuna Obeysekera on Tuesday (26) fixed the petition to be taken up for argument on March 22.
 
The Supreme Court had granted leave to proceed with this Fundamental Rights petition filed challenging his arbitrary arrest and detention.
 
On February 15, 2019 Sathkumara wrote a short story titled "Ardha" in a publicly available post on social media on February 15, 2019. It is said to be about a young former monk who has lately left the monastic life and moves into a friend's boarding house while pursuing a university degree.
 
On February 25, 2019, a Buddhist organization had lodged a complaint with the Inspector-General of Police  regarding the short story. The organization demanded that the publication be withdrawn and Sathkumara be arrested. The organization further alleged that the work was defamatory to Buddhism.
 
Sathkumara was subsequently discharged from the case filed at the Polgahawela Magistrate’s Court following the Attorney General's recommendation not to prosecute the suspect any further.
 
President's Counsel Saliya Pieris with Counsel Pulasthi Hewamanna appeared for the petitioner. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)

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 - 0

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

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.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





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

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H