The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has decided to file legal action against Industries and Trade Minister Rishard Bathiudeen over contempt of court charges and intimidating the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

President of the BASL, President’s Counsel Wijedasa Rajapakse and a group of BASL representatives have met with Attorney General Palitha Fernando and explained the situation with regard to the case. Rajapakse has said that a request was made from the Attorney General to file legal action against the minister for contempt of court and intimidation.

The BASL President has noted that in the event the Attorney general fails to respond to the BASL request, the Bar Association would file legal action against the Minister before the Supreme Court in order to safeguard the honor and independence of the judiciary since the incident would otherwise create a bad precedence.