Sudharman De Silva and Another v. The Attorney General – sllr 1985 volume 2 page 012

In the case between Sudharman de Silva and Another (Plaintiffs) and The Attorney-General (Defendant), the court addressed whether an accused who absconds, fails to participate in trial, and remains unrepresented is entitled to appeal a conviction under section 14(b) of the Judicature Act. It was held that the right of appeal, as stipulated in the Judicature Act, is not an unconditional entitlement for those who deliberately evade judicial process. The principle reaffirmed that legal rights must be accompanied by a corresponding adherence to lawful duties. The decision emphasized reliance on prior case law and public interest considerations, underscoring that recognizing an appeal for absconding accused persons would undermine court authority and the administration of justice.

Siva Selliah