Law Associations raise concerns over resignation of Mullaitivu Judge

The Lawyers’ Collective has raised concerns over the sudden resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge T. Saravanarajah.

Issuing a statement, the Collective said that in his letter of resignation addressed to the Judicial Service Commission, Justice Saravanarajah alleges that there were threats to his life.

The Collective said that it is imperative, given the serious implications it has for matters pertaining to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, that the matter be fully investigated with measures to assure independence and impartiality.

“We believe that transparency is key, and that the general public must be informed of measures taken and the outcome of such inquiry without delay,” the Collective added.

Meanwhile, the Young Lawyers Association of Sri Lanka has also demanded an impartial investigation into the resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge T. Saravanarajah.

Issuing a statement, the Association said Justice Saravanarajah’s resignation letter claims that he tendered his resignation due to ‘threat’ to his life and due to ‘a lot of stress’.

Thereafter, a whatsapp message was circulated which contains allegations on Member of Parliament Sarath Weerasekara, the Government and the Attorney General for directly threatening him regarding his orders on the Kurunthur Malai case.

If these allegations are true it raises serious concerns regarding the executive’s interference in independent judicial functions, the Association claimed.

The Association demands that the Judicial Service Commission conducts an impartial inquiry into the allegations against the Government and the Attorney General which has been circulated in the media.

Concerns have been raised after Justice Saravanarajah tendered his resignation citing threats to his life due to the court order delivered related to the Kurunthur Malai temple, which is an ancient Hindu Temple.

It is reported that the Justice had issued an order preventing the construction of a Buddhist Temple in the premises of the Kurunthur Malai temple.