After the first bid for an anticipatory bail filed by former Minister and United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Rajitha Senaratne seeking an order to release him on bail had he been arrested was rejected last week, the second bid is to be taken up tomorrow (23).
His initial application was dismissed citing the petitioner failing to explicitly specify in his petition or affidavit under which charge he was being arrested by the CID.
Magistrate Lanka Jayarathne observed that the petitioner should clearly state, for what offences and the terms under which the person preparing the application is to be arrested by the CID.
The Chief Magistrate pointed out that it is indispensable to state the matter clearly and specifically when considering an anticipatory bail application.
It was noted that the former minister had failed to specify the circumstances under which he faces an arrest. In addition, the notice sent to inform the respondents was also dismissed. The attorneys-at-law representing Senaratne in the first bid were Presidents Counsel Navartne Bandara and Gunaratne Wanni Nayakka, acting under the advice of Presidents Counsel K. V. Thavarasa. President’s Counsel Wasantha Nawaratne Bandara appearing on behalf of the former Minister told the court that they feel the Criminal Investigation Department will arrest his client not for the charges of murder, misuse of public property or robbery but on the charge of providing assistance to the two persons who were allegedly involved in criminal activities.
UNP MPs Sujeewa Senasinghe, Chathura Senaratne, John Amaratunga and several other MPs were present in court on Friday. (PS)