SC allows application to file several issues pertaining to
discussions held between Media Minister, CBN SAT
Wasantha Ramanayake
COLOMBO: The Supreme Court allowed an application by the counsel for
the Media Minister to file several issues pertaining to discussions
between the Media Minister and the broadcasting company, when the CBN
SAT rights case was taken up, yesterday.
President’s Counsel D.S. Wijesinghe made the application on behalf of
Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa who had discussions with the
petitioner company regarding the granting of licences for the Direct to
Home (DTH) satellite broadcasting.
The President’s Counsel submitted that during the discussions several
important issues had been raised and moved to appraise the Court of
them.
President’s Counsel Palitha Kumarasinghe for the Telecommunication
Regulatory Commission submitted that the petitioner company should get
the clearance and the approval of the Defence Ministry to operate the
satellite broadcasting in terms of the Rupavahini Corporation Act.
The Court noted that the petitioner company might as well go through
these formalities due to the security situation.
President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva submitted that the petitioner
company was suffering heavy losses due to the closure. He submitted that
around 20 new competitors were seeking licences; therefore, company was
at a risk of losing its viewers.
The Bench comprised Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva PC and Justices
Saleem Marsoof PC and Andrew Somawansa.
Petitioner Sonic Net Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. cited four officers
attached to the Criminal Investigation Department including Inspector
U.L. Mahindadasa and the Attorney General as respondents.
The Petitioner company stated that the respondents CID officers had
sealed its office purportedly acting on a search warrant on June 6, in
violation of its fundamental rights. The petitioner alleged that around
20,000 of its viewership was not able to watch the channels broadcast by
the petitioner consequent to the actions of the respondents.
Romesh de Silva PC with Sugath Caldera instructed by G.G.
Arulpragasam appeared for the petitioner.
D.S. Wijesinghe PC appeared for the Media Minister. Palitha
Kumarasinghe PC appeared for the Telecommunications Regulatory
Commission.
ASG Saththya Hettige PC appeared for the respondents.
The case was put off for September 18. |