Petition seeks monastic robes for Gnanasara Thero's court appearances

A fundamental rights petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking an order directing prison authorities to produce Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence, before court in monastic robes.

The petition was filed by Dr. B. A. Rathnapala.

It also seeks an order preventing the monk from being produced before the media or the public in civilian attire, prison clothing or handcuffs until the petition is taken up for hearing and a final determination is delivered.

In addition, the petition asks for an interim order barring any photographing or video recording of Gnanasara Thero beyond the limits permitted under section 156(2) of the Prison Rules, and prohibiting the circulation of such images or footage or the granting of permission for it.

The petitioner argues that producing the monk in ordinary or prison clothing, and the circulation of such images, violates his fundamental rights and the dignity of the Buddhist clergy. The Supreme Court is expected to consider the petition in the coming days.

UPDATE: The Mahanayake Thera has written to the Commissioner General of Prisons asking that facilities be provided for Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, who is in prison, to wear monastic robes again. In the letter, the Mahanayake Thera said the process must be carried out in accordance with Buddhist Dhamma-Vinaya disciplinary rules and asked that a date and time be given soon for the religious proceedings. He also asked the Commissioner General to make the arrangements and facilities needed for the visit of a Sangha council, including himself, for this purpose, and to inform him about them.