ABC radio network files FR petition in Sri Lankan Supreme Court

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 30 October 2007, 20:45 GMT]
The ABC radio network has filed a Fundamental Rights violation petition in the Supreme Court Monday against the withdrawal of the licence that has resulted in the closure of all five radio stations come under the radio network. Meanwhile the Court of Appeal Monday directed the four respondents including the Media Minister to file their objections to show cause why relief should not be granted to the petitioner ABC network, legal sources said.

The petition filed by the ABC radio network came up for hearing before a two member-bench of the Court of Appeal comprising Justices K.Sripavan and Rohini Perera.

The petitioner has sought the court to declare that the cancellation of the licence is illegal and issue restraining order the Media Ministry canceling the license.

The Sri Lankan Court of Appeal following the submissions by the petitioner and respondents said it would deliver its order in regard to the interim relief sought by the petitioner.

In the meantime, the court directed the respondents to file written objections before November 5 and the petitioner to file before November 16, legal sources said.

Chronology: