FR petition against pastor Jerome: SC bench headed by CJ to take it up on July 22

A fundamental rights petition filed against pastor Jerome Fernando will be taken up for consideration before a three-judge bench chaired by the Chief Justice, on 22 July.

Several religious leaders have filed the petition seeking an order to prosecute pastor Jerome Fernando under the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) over his derogatory statements made against the Buddha and other religious leaders.

Appearing for the petitioning party, President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena informed the court that three of the religious leaders had expressed their willingness to withdraw it.

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General, told the court that in accordance with the previous court order, all investigation reports conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in respect of pastor Fernando have been submitted to the court.

After considering the facts, the three-judge bench ordered that since the relevant petition had previously been considered before the Chief Justice, it is appropriate to recall the case before a bench comprising the Chief Justice.