Vithanalage Anura Thushara De Mel et al. vs. Hon. Attorney General (Duminda Silva Case) – SC TAB/2A-D/2017-2018

In the case between the appellants (including political affiliates and co-accused) and the Attorney General (representing the State), the Supreme Court addressed the validity of proceedings before a trial-at-bar, the sufficiency of evidence substantiating membership and participation in an unlawful assembly, and the establishment of joint possession of an illegal T-56 firearm among the accused. It was held that the trial-at-bar process and its majority decision conformed with legal requirements, that the evidence demonstrated active involvement of certain accused in the unlawful assembly with a common object, and that the charge of joint possession of the firearm could not be substantiated against any accused. The court reaffirmed the principle that a legally constituted trial-at-bar panel