SC re-fix hearing in Aksharaya case

Wasantha Ramanayake

COLOMBO: The Supreme Court yesterday re-fixed for hearing Asoka Handagama's Fundamental Rights application against the revocation of the certificate issued for the public screening of the film "Aksharaya," meaning the "Letter of Fire," for November 28.

The court allowed an application by Attorney-at-Law Dushit W. Johnthasan on behalf of the Chairman and the members of Public Performance Board (PPB) who moved for time to file objections. He submitted that his clients had been informed of the decision of the Attorney General that the AG would not appear for them.

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva PC with Justices N. K. Udalagama and Andrew Somawansa.

Petitioners Asoka Handagama, the director, Iranthi Abyesingha and Upul Shantha Sannasgala, the co-producers of the film cited 18 respondents including the Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, the Secretary to the Ministry, Chairman and the members of the PPB, National Film Corporation, its chairman and the General Manager, the OIC of the Children and Women's Bureau and the Attorney General as respondents.

The petitioners stated that the PPB after viewing the film "Aksharaya" granted approval on March 29, with the tag "adults only" for public screening. They stated that the Chairman of the PPB informed the petitioners to return the certificate issued by the PPB on the request of the Secretary to the Cultural Affairs Ministry who wanted to revoke the certificate awarded to the film.

The petitioners stated that revocation of the certificate by the Minister was illegal and was in violation of the rights of the petitioners.

Counsel Upul Jayasuriya instructed by Samararatne Associates appeared for the petitioners.

Additional Solicitor General Palitha Fernando appeared for the Attorney General.

President's Counsel Wijedasa Rajapakse appeared for Film Corporation, its Chairman and the General Manager.

The hearing was re-fixed for November 28.