By Chitra Weerarathne

The Court of Appeal yesterday stayed the proceedings in the Magistrate Court against petitioner, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, in respect of the Avant Garde issue until the revision application filed by him is heard and finally determined by the superior court.

The Court of Appeal issued notice on the respondents the Bribery Commission and Connected Authorities.

Senior state counsel Janaka Bandara conceded that both the Magistrate and the High Court Judge had referred to non-existing provisions of the Bribery Law.

The respondents were given three weeks’ time to file objective.

Romesh de Silva PC, appeared with Sudath Caldera for Rajapaksa.

President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva stressed that his client had been charged under a non-existing bribery law.

The bench comprised Justice Achala Wengappuli and Justice Arjuna Obeysekera.

The hearing of the revision application was fixed for Sept. 28 and Oct. 10.

Courtesy:The Island