CA issued notice on Minister Kadirgamar in ABC suit

[TamilNet, Monday, 16 February 2004, 12:30 GMT]
The Court of Appeal (CA) Monday decided to hear the petition filed by the Asia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) against the decision by the Minister of Information and Daily Communication Mr.Lakshman Kadirgamar to cancel its television permit. ABC obtained license for starting a TV station in November 1995, legal sources said.

The two member bench of the CA Justice Raja Fernando and Justice K.Sri-Pavan also issued an interim order restraining the granting of the ABC's television permit and frequencies to any other party, legal sources said.

The CA further issued notice on the three respondents, Information and Daily Communication Minister Mr.Lakshman Kadirgamar, Secretary to the Ministry Mr. Tilak Ranaviraja and the Director General of Telecommunications Regulatory Commissioner Mr.Themiya Hurulle respectively to appear in court on March 1st when this petition will be heard, legal sources said.

President's Counsel Mr.Kanag-Ehswaran who appeared for the petitioner told court that the annulment of the permit was illegal, adding that relevant work has been completed for the launching of the television station, which required a large investment, sources said.

He added the annulment of the television permit by the minister concerned under such circumstances is unwarranted.

Attorneys-at-law Messrs Sanjeeva Jayawardene, Dilan de Silva, Niger Bathaulameus led by Mr.Kanag-Eshwaran, PC, represented the petitioner ABC.