This came after the lawyer for the missing youths K.V. Thawarasa raised objections that it was unreasonable for the AG to appear on behalf of the Navy, as it has now been established the Navy was behind the abductions.

The lawyer has told BBC Sandeshaya that he also asked that the case, which was heard by the magistrate in his chamber privately until now, be taken up in open courts in the future.

Accordingly, the magistrate’s court ordered that the case be taken up in open courts when the hearing resumes on June 03.

Parents of the missing youths have filed the petitions against the Navy, seeking an order that their children be produced before courts.