All magistrates in Sri Lanka have been informed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) that they should not issue orders to detain any suspect or prisoner in a special prison.
This directive was issued through a circular signed by the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Mr. Prasanna Alwis.
The JSC said the decision was made following complaints that certain magistrates had ordered suspects or prisoners to be detained in special locations.
Several other key points have also been emphasized in the circular.
Accordingly, magistrates should not order that any suspect or prisoner be provided with special security. Requests made in open court should simply be referred to the relevant prison superintendent.
The circular further states that magistrates should not order that suspects or prisoners be taken to their homes or any other places during their imprisonment for family events or personal reasons.
If a prisoner is taken out of prison for any reason, the Superintendent of Prisons must report the matter and provide reasons for it to the relevant magistrate.
The circular also notes that any requests made by suspects or prisoners regarding medical treatment should be referred to the magistrate and the prison medical officer for necessary action.
