Book on Criminal Defence released

Sarath Malalasekera

Additional Solicitor General Palitha Fernando in a message on the release of the book titled “Criminal Defence” authored by Senior Attorney-at-Law UR de Silva, former Secretary to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) stated that at a seminar organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, members expressed concern regarding the arrest of Attorneys-at-Law on charges of forgery of deeds.

As it was stated that sometimes Attorneys-at-Law were produced before court on charges of forgery when the facts did not warrant an arrest.

“I have, through the Inspector General of Police, set out a circular to all police stations setting out instructions regarding the arrest of Attorneys-at-Law in such instances. Set out below an extract of the said circular so that you could keep your members informed of it.”

“When an allegation is made against an Attorney-at-Law regarding the forgery of a deed during the course of his/her professional duties, investigations should be promptly concluded and the notes of investigation should be submitted to the Attorney General for advise before arresting and producing the suspect in court.”