Death of former SC Judge Anton Soza
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Juistice
Anton Soza |
Retired Supreme Court Judge Anton Soza died on April 8 after a brief
illness. He was 94. Justice Soza was called to the Bar on April 28, 1948
and retired as a Judge of the Supreme Court in February 1984. He began
his judicial career as a Magistrate on March 1, 1957.
He earned a reputation as a fearless and independent judge and
delivered judgement in many landmark cases, including the Vivienne
Goonewardane fundamental rights case.
Justice Soza was educated at Maris Stella College, Negombo.
After retirement from the Supreme Court Bench, Justice Soza held the
posts of Editor of the Sri Lanka Law Reports, Director of the Judges'
Institute, Chairman of the Human Rights Task Force and Chairman of the
Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. He rendered services to the State for a
record unbroken period of 49 years. He was also a much sought after
arbitrator in commercial arbitration. Prior to joining the legal
profession, he taught English and Pure Mathematics at St. Joseph's
College, Bandarawela, Ceylon Technical College and Ananda College,
Colombo.
At Ceylon Law College, he was Editor of the Law Students' Magazine
and president of the Law Students' Union.
Justice Soza leaves his wife, two daughters and a son. Funeral takes
place on April 11 at 10.30 am at the General Cemetery, Borella.
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