Civil Appellate High Court today refused application of ITN and Rupavahini to set aside the restraining order of Kaduwela Magistrate, preventing them from telecasting ‘Janapathi Janahamuwa’ programme.

Having heard lengthy submissions, the court decided that it could not set aside the enjoining order at this stage and said it would be giving a ruling on January 12 on preliminary objections raised by the lawyers of the Common Candidate of the opposition.

Therefore, the two enjoining orders issued by the District Court of Kaduwela continue to remain in force.

Kaduwela District Judge, on Monday.  issued two enjoining orders this afternoon preventing two state run TV channels and two private channels from telecasting ‘janapathi janahamuwa’ programme.

Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), the Independent Television Network (ITN). Swarnavahini and Derana TV channels were  informed of the court order.

‘Janapathi Janahamuwa’ programme was scheduled to be telecasted on Monday and Tuesday with the participation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The court issued the enjoining order following a complaint lodged by Common Candidate of the Opposition Maithripala Sirisena that the programme was one sided and its telecast would violate the guidelines issued by Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya.