Chandradasa Nanayakkara v. Liyanage Cyril – sllr 1984 volume 2 page 193

In the case of Chandradasa Nanayakkara v. Liyanage Cyril, the court addressed the issue of contempt of court arising from the respondent’s conduct of forcibly entering the Magistrate’s Chambers with a child, threatening the Magistrate, and attempting to influence a judicial order regarding the custody of the respondent’s wife. It was held that the respondent’s actions constituted a direct attack on judicial authority and dignity, necessitating serious punitive measures to deter similar misconduct. The decision reaffirmed the principle that preservation of judicial power and dignity is essential to the supremacy of the law. Article 105(3) of the Constitution and prior statutory provisions were relied upon to determine both the court’s jurisdiction and the necessity for a deterrent sentence.