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Magistrate’s
Courts are established under the Judicature Act, No. 2 of 1978 for each
judicial division in Sri
Lanka. The territorial limits of each judicial division is as determined
by the Minister in charge of the subject of Justice in consultation with
the Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal. There are
74
judicial divisions in Sri Lanka. Sittings
of the court are held in a convenient place within the territorial
jurisdiction of the division, as appointed by the Minister by Regulation
made under section 5(3) of the Judicature Act, No.2 of 1978. Every
Magistrate's Court is vested with original criminal jurisdiction (other
than in respect of offences upon indictment in the High Court), and is
ordinarily empowered to impose sentences upto
a fine of Rs. 1,500 and/or 2 years rigorous/simple imprisonment
unless power is vested in the Magistrate’s Court to impose higher penalties by special provision All
Magistrates are appointed by the
Judicial
Service Commission which is also vested with the power of dismissal
and disciplinary control of the Judges. The
Age of retirement of Magistrates is as provided for in the Public and
Judicial Officers (Retirement) Ordinance. Appeals
from convictions, sentences or orders of Magistrate’s Courts within a
Province lie to the High Court of the Province. |
