The fear of arbitrary use of contempt of court charges has a negative effect on legal profession and legal process. Twice United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC)has commented on this issue relating to two complaints from Sri Lanka. Government of Sri Lanka has failed to comply with recommendation of the UNHRC. GOSL has failed to take steps to prevent future occurrences of similar violations.
Repression and lawlessness has spread into all aspects of life. Investigations into serious human rights abuses have virtually stopped. Heavy propaganda is carried out to excuse the delays. Without inquiries the justice process does not even begin.
Under those circumstances lawyers are unable to play the role that they are expected to play in the defense of the rights of the people. This paralysis of the justice process must be addressed if lawyers are to play their roles on behalf of their clients.
We urge the Bar association of Sri Lanka to play an active role in pursuing the draft law On Contempt of court it has already submitted to the GOSL.
We urge all members of the Bar association to sign the Online petition for this purpose.
