T. M. G. Ran Banda Vs. Srilal Herath – sllr 1997 volume 1 page 057

In the case between T. M. G. Ran Banda and Srilal Herath (Attorney-at-Law), the court addressed whether the compounding of a related criminal case involving allegations of deceit and failure to repay funds barred subsequent disciplinary proceedings against an attorney. It was held that such compounding does not preclude disciplinary action, and the failure to repay agreed instalments alongside misrepresentations constituted “deceit” under Section 42(2) of the Judicature Act. The principle reaffirmed by the court establishes that the integrity and ethical standards of the legal profession must be preserved independently of criminal proceedings. Reliance was placed on relevant statutes and precedent, emphasizing that disciplinary jurisdiction exists irrespective of criminal case settlements,