The Court of Appeal today gave time for the respondents named in the petition filed by the relatives of missing activists Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganathan to file objections. The Court also ordered the respondent to hand in a report by March 21 if Lalith and Kugan were in their custody.


Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, the Inspector General of Police, the Army Commander and the Jaffna District Army Commander were called as respondents to the case.


The Court of Appeal earlier granted approval to hold hearings on the petition filed by the relatives of missing activists, Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganathan, requesting that they be produced before the court.  


The two individuals had disappeared on December 09, 2011 in Jaffna, the attorney representing the petitioners said when the petition was taken up today before a Judge Bench comprising Justice Ranjith de Silva and Justice Nalin Perera.


He claimed that the Minister Mass Media and Information, Keheliya Rambukwella, speaking to media had stated that the two activists are in custody, and that their location cannot be disclosed.


The motorcycle which Lalith and Kugan were last seen traveling on was also found at the Kachchaveli police station, the attorney informed court and therefore accused the government of being responsible for the disappearance.


The Appeal Court then issued notice to the Army Commander, Jaffna Security Forces Commander, Inspector General of Police and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to appear before court to give testimonies.