November 09, Colombo (LNW): A fundamental rights application has been submitted to the Supreme Court requesting judicial intervention over the manner in which imprisoned Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero is presented during appearances before the courts.
The application, lodged by Dr B. A. Rathnapala, asks the court to direct prison officials to ensure that the Buddhist monk is brought before judicial authorities wearing his traditional saffron robes.
It also seeks an order preventing prison officials from displaying Gnanasara Thero before journalists or members of the public in ordinary civilian clothing or prison uniform, or with handcuffs, while the case remains pending.
Furthermore, the petitioner has requested interim relief to prevent photographs or video footage of the monk from being captured or recorded and subsequently published or distributed, except in circumstances permitted under Section 156(2) of the Prison Rules.
The application also seeks to restrict prison authorities from authorising such recordings or their circulation outside the provisions allowed by the relevant regulations.
The Supreme Court is being asked to consider these requests and determine the relief sought in the fundamental rights case.