Two Fundamental Right petitions filed by two Army intelligence officers, challenging their arrest and detention in connection with the disappearance and murder of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, were yesterday dismissed by the Supreme Court.
Army Intelligence Officer Lieutenant Colonel Erantha Peiris and Corporal S.K. Ulugedara had filed these petitions challenging their arrest and detention under Section 9(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) No.48 of 1979.
Deputy Solicitor-General Dileepa Peiris, appearing on behalf of the Attorney-General, informed court that there was sufficient evidence against the petitioners to be charged for committing several offences, including the abduction of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda. Peiris further submitted to the Supreme Court that the indictments have already been filed against these two petitioners at Homagama High Court.
Taking into consideration the facts, Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Sisira de Abrew, Gamini Amarasekara, and Yasantha Kodagoda, refused to grant leave to proceed with the petitions and, thereby, decided to dismiss petitions in limine.
The petitioners cited the OIC of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Gang Robbery Unit, the Director of the CID, Defence Secretary, Attorney-General, and several others as respondents.
The petitioners stated that the arrest of Army intelligence officers for their alleged involvement in the Prageeth Ekneligoda incident is illegal.
from daily news