The Colombo High Court today allowed for a Special Jury to hear the Raviraj murder trial against six accused.

They are accused according to the Penal Code and the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Three of the six accused are in custody while the whereabouts of the other three are unknown. Those who are facing the trial requested for a jury.

However, the aggrieved party opposed the request, saying that a jury cannot be allowed for as the accused have been charged under the PTA.

High Court Judge Manilal Waidyathilake today ruled that the accused have to be accorded a fair trial since it is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution. Therefore, he allowed for a special jury, where the jurists should have a basic degree as a minimum educational qualification.

Nadarajah Raviraj, a former TNA MP, was murdered on November 10, 2006.