K.A.Sugandika Chathurani v Hon. Attorney General – CA HC : 05/2018-2018

In the case between K.A. Sugandika Chathurani (Appellant/Surety) and the Hon. Attorney General, the court addressed whether the appellant’s conviction for contempt of court by the High Court of Chilaw was lawful, given the absence of a charge sheet and proper procedure. It was held that the conviction was not in accordance with natural justice or statutory mandates, as the appellant was not served a charge sheet, nor was any charge read to her, and she was deprived of legal representation. This decision reaffirmed the principle that summary conviction for contempt must strictly comply with procedural safeguards, as stipulated in Section 18 of the Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978 and Section 449 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979. Reliance was placed on statutory requirements