Court issues restraining order over defamation against MP Mujibur

By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, June 13 (Daily Mirror) - Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today issued a conditional restraining order against Pradeep Charles, Chairman of the United National Self-Employed Traders’ Association and a former member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), along with several others, over allegedly defamatory and derogatory statements made against Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahuman and published online.

The order was made after considering a complaint filed by MP Mujibur Rahuman under Section 24 of the Online Safety Act No. 9 of 2024.

The respondents named in the petition include Pradeep Charles, as well as YouTube channel owners Nadeesha Amaranath and Thushara Sewwandi.

Counsel Lakshan Dias, appearing for the complainant, informed the court that the first respondent is an active political figure who has been continuously making defamatory and harmful statements about the complainant through the media. He further stated that a defamation case had already been filed by the complainant at the Colombo District Court and was decided in his favour.

Despite this, the first respondent had continued to make prohibited statements, prompting the complainant to seek a restraining order under the Online Safety Act.

It was also requested that the other respondents be restrained from uploading the said content to the internet via YouTube and other platforms.

Having considered the submissions, the Chief Magistrate issued a conditional restraining order and directed all respondents to appear before the court on 27th June.