Abeywickrema v. Gunaratna and Three Others – sllr 1997 volume 3 page 225

In the case between Abe ywickrema (petitioner) and Gunaratna and others (respondents, police officers), the court addressed the violation of fundamental rights arising from the petitioner’s unlawful arrest, degrading treatment, and detention by police authorities. It was held that the petitioner’s rights under Articles 11 and 13(1) of the Constitution were infringed, requiring the State to provide compensation and costs. The holding reaffirmed the fundamental principle that protection from degrading treatment and unlawful arrest is guaranteed under constitutional provisions. The decision, grounded in evidence contradicting allegations of intoxication and unlawful police conduct, emphasized strict adherence to constitutional safeguards and established that law enforcement authorities must b