UPFA MP Udaya Gammanpila today maintained that Members of Parliament have an absolute right to criticize the decisions of judicial officers.

Speaking to the media in front of the Keselwatte police, Gammanpila said that the lower ranked officials of the judiciary come under the purview of the Judicial Services Commission. However the Parliament, which is elected by the people, inquire about the higher judiciary officials, he argued.

In western countries, former Justices and other senior figures do criticize juducial decisions, he also maintained, adding that in the past this did happen even in Sri Lanka.

Gammanpila appeared before the Keselwatte Police today to give a statement on an alleged contempt of court charge against him.

On January 13, Keselwatte Police filed a B report in the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court informing that an investigation has been launched regarding a statement by Gammanpila.

The investigation is being conducted on a complaint filed by Amila Indika, a lawyer, on a statement by Gammanpila on January 11.

Accordingly, Gammanpila criticized the court decision to grant bail to UNP MP Hirunika Premachndra hours after her arrest. This could be a punishable offense under Section 55 (2) of the Judicator Act, the police said.