Sangiliwell Rajashiwa v. Hon Attorney General – CA HC 132-136/2016-2017

In the case between Sangiliwell Rajashiwa and others (Accused-Appellants) and the Hon Attorney General (Respondent), the court addressed the issues of withdrawal of appeal and backdating of sentences for the 4th and 5th Accused-Appellants, as well as procedural matters regarding the ongoing appeals of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Accused-Appellants. It was held that the 4th and 5th Accused-Appellants were permitted to withdraw their appeals, and the effective date of their sentences was ordered to be backdated to the date of conviction, pursuant to Section 359 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The principle reaffirmed was that the withdrawal of an appeal may be allowed and, in appropriate circumstances—such as extended time spent in custody and pending completion of translation of records—a sentenc