The Attorney General vs Pragasini Manju Tharmasuthan – HC 47/17-2022

In the case of Pragasini Manju Tharmasuthan (Respondent-Appellant) and the Attorney General of Sri Lanka (Applicant-Respondent), the core issue addressed was whether an interlocutory order by the High Court, overruling preliminary objections in an extradition proceeding, was appealable under Sri Lankan law. The appeal questioned compliance with the Extradition Law No. 8 of 1977—specifically the Minister’s discretion, the validity of the warrant, and possible double jeopardy—while also challenging the High Court’s jurisdiction. It was determined that such interlocutory orders were not appealable at this stage; the proper course was to seek remedy via a writ. The judgment reaffirmed the principle that interim procedural orders do not attract appellate jurisdiction unless statutorily provided