Sri Lankan Bikkus (Buddhist Monks) Challenged the Authority of Law

The first week of September 2008 held a hearing of violating a court ruling on the prevention of noise pollution by using public Address system from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. These regulations were made by the Supreme Court, which considered the highest law in Sri Lanka. However, last week of August the accused Buddhist Monk (Bikku) was summoned by the court. He categorically dismissed the summons by not presenting, which lead to the contempt of court and the very day issued an order to arrest of the Bikku. On the day of hearing over forty Bikkus were present at the court vicinity. At the entrance of the Supreme court Judges including the Chef Justice, all others except the Bikkus stand and respected the court of law.

Immediately afterwards, the Chef Justice said to the open court that the Bikkus have disrespected the court of law and asked the Attorney (Lawyer) to kindly ask the Bikkus to go out and come again to take their seats. However, no Bikku seems to heed the advice of the Attorney, subsequently, the bail appeal for the accused was denied. Chef Justice did not acted harshly toward Bikkus perhaps he is a devoted Buddhist.

This action seems to be a high-hand contempt of the Supreme court and the authority of the common law. Most probably, these Bikkus acted out of ignorance or purposely to show their superiority. However, this action shows the prevailing arrogance of the Bikkus, perceiving themselves above all humans and even over the Court of law.

This challenge further shows the growing ideology in corporate consciousness of Bikkus considering themselves as untouchable higher elite status in the society. One Senior Monk said, Bikkus are liable to respect Lord Buddha, Dhamma (Doctrine), older monks only, not even in the presence of King they should stand.

Bikkus should know that there is a time and place for every thing. At a religious ceremony, higher official, Chief Justice or even President of the country would sit below the standing of a Bikku and listen and participate in the ceremony. However, when it comes to the place of authority of the law, such as the Court of law they should and must respected the authority vested by the law of the country.

I have been several times verbally harassed, ostracized and taken to police by such kind of Buddhist Monks, for the reason of sharing gospel and church work. It’s foreshadows a dangerous development of their self-perception, which could lead to more harassment and violence against Christians in Sri Lanka.

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