BASL warns against interference with judiciary through social media

Colombo, August 25 (Daily Mirror) - The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) issued a statement drawing attention to Constitutional provisions that set out penal measures relating to interference with the judiciary.

Referring specifically to Article 111(C)(1) and (2) of the Constitution, the BASL called on all stakeholders, including law enforcement authorities, to uphold the rule of law, ensure due process and safeguard the rights and liberties of citizens at all times.

The statement was issued in response to a spate of comments and content circulated on social media and other platforms concerning matters that fall within the purview of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the judiciary.

The BASL emphasised that the JSC comprising the Chief Justice and two senior judges of the Supreme Court functions as an independent body with authority over the transfer of High Court judges, as well as the appointment, promotion, transfer, disciplinary control and dismissal of judicial officers and specified public officers.

Reiterating its consistent position in safeguarding judicial independence, the BASL warned that attempts to interfere with the judiciary through social media posts, public statements, speculative commentary or predictions by YouTubers on case outcomes pose serious threats. 
Such actions, it stressed, undermine the rule of law, compromise due process and risk eroding public confidence in the administration of justice.

The BASL noted that perpetrators of such acts could face legal consequences under the provisions of the Constitution.

The BASL’s statement was issued by its President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena.