Royal Park murder: SC grants leave to proceed with FR against Presidential Pardon

A Fundamental Rights petition filed against former President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to grant a Presidential Pardon to Jude Shyamantha Jayamaha who was convicted in the Royal Park murder case and sentenced to death was fixed for support on March 30, 2023 by the Supreme Court.The Supreme Court decided to hear these petitions on the basis that the granting of Presidential Pardon may violate the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by Article 12(1) of the Constitution.

An Interim Order was also issued directing the Immigration and Emigration Controller not to allow Jude Shyamantha Jayamaha to travel abroad without the permission of the court.

The petition was filed by the Women’s Media Organizations Union. The petition was taken up before the Supreme Court three-judge Bench Comprising Justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Shiran Gunarathne and Mahinda Samayawardena.President’s Counsel Faizer Mustapha appeared for the respondent former President Maithripala Sirisena, President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris for the Sri Lanka Bar Association and President’s Counsel Romesh De Silva for the victim R. Johnson while Deputy Solicitor General Avanthi Perera for the Attorney General and Commissioner General of Prisons appeared.