Kannaiya Kangarathnam vs Hon. Attorney General – CA NO: 278/2012-2014

In the case between Kannaiya Kangarathnam (Appellant) and the Hon. Attorney General (Respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether appellate proceedings could continue following the death of the accused-appellant. It was held that, as confirmed by official documentation and communications from both counsel and authorities, the death of the accused-appellant required termination of all proceedings. The decision reaffirms the principle that criminal appellate proceedings abate upon the death of the accused-appellant, in alignment with established procedure. The court’s action was based on verification by prison authorities and the presentation of a Death Certificate, underscoring that no further legal action could proceed in the absence of the appellant.

Anil Gooneratne J. — Upon n