Sirisena and Another v. Republic of Sri Lanka – 1978_79 volume 2 page 079

In Sirisena, and another v. Republic of Sri Lanka, the court addressed whether the 24-hour period for recording a verdict under section 186(2) of the Administration of Justice Law commences upon the conclusion of the evidence (i.e., the conclusion of witness testimony) or after the completion of addresses, and whether any delay due to addresses is legally permissible. It was held that the 24-hour limitation begins at the conclusion of the recording of evidence, with addresses being distinct and not forming part of the evidence. The statutory framework and prior authorities were reviewed, establishing that exceeding the 24-hour period without compliance constituted a violation of section 186(2). Accordingly, the conviction and sentence were set aside, with an order for retrial before a diff