The Ministry of Justice urged the public to report instances of bribery involving Quazi Court Judges, amidst several such cases involving Quazi Court Judges being reported from some parts of the island.

In a bid to uphold the integrity of the Judiciary, Secretary to the Ministry Nihal Ranasinghe, told The Daily Morning yesterday (5) that the Ministry is working closely with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to identify and take decisive action against any such judicial malpractice.

 Ranasinghe further emphasised that such actions would undermine the very foundations of the country’s legal system and affect public trust unfavourably. He also said that the collaborative efforts between the Ministry and the CIABOC underscore the Government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating corruption at all levels of the Judiciary. 

“We urge the people to come forward with any information or evidence that they may have regarding Quazi Court Judges soliciting or accepting bribes,” he added. He further noted that information pertaining to the same can be submitted either directly to the CIABOC or to the Ministry, assuring the public that all complaints will be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate measures will be taken to address any misconduct. 

When questioned as to whether the Ministry is looking to change any related laws to prevent such misconduct, Ranasinghe said that no such move is underway at this point.

He made these remarks following several Quazi Court Judges being taken into custody by the CIABOC for accepting or soliciting bribes. Most recently, two Judges from Puttalam and Udathalawinna were arrested for the same. Later, they were reportedly charged by the CIABOC.