The Mallakam Court has issued a notice to Tamil National People’s Front leader Gajendra Kumar Ponnambalam to appear in court on February 14 for violating a court injunction by protesting in front of the Thai Itti Tissa Raja Maha Viharaya in Kankesanthurai, Jaffna.
The Kankesanthurai Police had previously obtained a restraining order from the Mallakam Court on February 11, citing concerns that Ponnambalam and his supporters might disrupt public peace by demonstrating near the Tissa Viharaya. The police also noted the risk of potential attacks on the site following social media discussions on the matter. In response, the court issued an injunction prohibiting any protests near the temple.
Despite this court order, a group of supporters, led by Ponnambalam, staged a protest on February 12 in front of the Tissa Viharaya. The demonstrators raised black flags and demanded an immediate halt to the temple’s construction, directly violating the court’s restrictions.
The court’s notice now requires Ponnambalam to present himself on February 14 to address the allegations of contempt for violating the injunction. The situation remains tense, with legal and political implications expected in the coming days.
