Sarath N. Silva's case to be considered on May 8

Colombo (News 1st): The Supreme Court today (Feb 7) decided to consider the case filed against Former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva on contempt of court charges on the 08th of May. The petition alleges Sarath N. Silva committed the offence of contempt of court when he made a statement at a rally organized by the National Collective Organization in Maradana on the 03rd of December 2018. This petition was filed by Professor Chandragupta Thenuwara and two others. The petition also seeks an explanation from the respondent to why he should not be disbarred. The case was taken up before Supreme Court justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Murtdu Fernando, and E.A.G.A. Amarasekera. Today Justice Priyantha Jayawardena announced he would recuse himself from hearing the case citing personal reasons and it was ordered for the case to be considered on a separate date. President's Counsel Upul Jayasuriya appearing for the petitioners raised an objection when Sarath N. Silva dressed in civil attire attempted to take a seat in one of the chairs allocated for counsel. Speaking to the media Former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva noted that an attorney is causing disrepute to him. He noted the attorney had asked him not to sit in the second row. Silva went onto note that he has held the post of Chief justice for 10 years and is a President's Counsel.