SC to hear scribe's rights plea

Wasantha Ramanayake

The Supreme Court yesterday decided to hear the rights plea filed by journalist Arthur Wamanan Sornalingam. The Bench comprised Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake and Justice Saleem Marsoof PC.

Petitioner Arthur Wamanan Sornalingam attached to the Leader Newspaper complained that his rights had been violated by illegal arrest and detention by Police on October 24.

Deputy Solicitor General Shaveendra Fernando for the respondents argued that his arrest and subsequent detention was legal and there was not any violation of rights and objected to the case being heard.

"Merely because he is a journalist he should not be treated differently from any ordinary man."

President's Counsel Romesh de Silva for the petitioner submitted that Police had wrongfully accused the petitioner of being a terrorist and harassed him.

The President's Counsel also submitted that he had been wrongfully arrested by Police on the allegation that he had attempted to take money from Minister Mano Wijeratne for not carrying an article in the Leader Newspaper. He had been later released by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate on bail despite police objections. The petitioner cited IGP, OIC (Special Unit) Chandana de Silva, SP CID D.E.U. de Silva, DIG CID D.W. Prathapasinghe, Minister Mano Wijeratne and the Attorney General.

The petitioner sought compensation in Rs. 10 million from the respondents. President's Counsel Romesh de Silva with Sugath Caldera and Eraj de Silva instructed by G.G. Arulpragasam appeared for the petitioner.

DSG Shaveendra Fernando appeared for the respondents. The hearing was fixed for March 29.