Hewa Batagodage Jagath vs Director General Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption – CA-HCC-21/2020-2025

The court addressed the sufficiency of evidence regarding the solicitation and acceptance of a bribe, alongside examining whether the trial judge’s extensive questioning compromised the accused’s right to a fair trial. It was held that the evidence, including detailed witness testimonies and physical exhibits such as the accused’s diary recording the bribe, proved the offence beyond reasonable doubt. The court reaffirmed that judicial intervention in questioning must not prejudice the accused, but the involvement in this instance was found not to have affected trial fairness. Conviction was affirmed, with the decision underscoring the proper application of the Bribery Act and confirming that adequate proof of both solicitation and acceptance is required for such charges.

B. Sasi Mahendr