Kahangama Mahanamage Harith Sunil Kumara and others vs Director General, Commission to investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption – CA HCC 51-52/19-2025

This case involves an appeal by the 1st and 2nd Accused-Appellants against their conviction and sentence for soliciting and accepting bribes. The core legal issues revolved around the High Court Judge’s conduct during the trial, specifically allegations of influencing a key prosecution witness (PW1) and breaching fair trial principles. The Court of Appeal found that the High Court Judge’s interventions, such as releasing PW1 on a personal bond without evidentiary basis for alleged threats and posing prejudicial questions, constituted a breach of fundamental fair trial principles. Consequently, the Court of Appeal set aside the convictions and sentences, ordering a fresh trial for the 1st and 2nd Accused.

B. Sasi Mahendran, J. – The main judgment detailed the indictment of the 1st and 2n