The Fundamental Rights petition filed by Justice Sarath de Abrew against the indictment against him was taken up for consideration by the Supreme Court on Friday.

The Attorney General recently indicted Sarath de Abrew at the Colombo High Court on two counts on committing grave sexual abuse, under Section 365 (B) of the Penal Code. Earlier this week, he was summoned in January by Colombo High Court.

President's Counsel Manohara de Silva, who represented Abrew in the FR petition's hearing, argued that the case has been politicized by certain NGOs and politicians. They applied pressure on the Attorney General's Department, forcing it to file indictments, he said.

Furthermore, even though the alleged incident took place on June 15, the complaint had been made on June 26, de Silva said. This raises doubts on the authenticity of the complaint, he argued.

The Attorney General's Department was represented by Assistant Solicitor General Yasantha Kodagoda, who denied any politicization of the issue. No political pressure was imposed on the department, the ASG said.