Kodituwakkuge Nihal v. Police Sergeant Kotalawala and Others – sllr 2000 volume 1 page 217

In the case between Kodituwakkuge Nihal (Petitioner) and Police Sergeant Kotalawala with multiple associated police officers (Respondents), the court addressed the violation of the petitioner’s fundamental rights under Article 11 of the Constitution, stemming from alleged torture and excessive force during police custody. It was held that the actions of the police, particularly respondents 1st to 5th, resulted in inhumane treatment and physical harm to the petitioner, constituting a breach of constitutional guarantees. The court reaffirmed that officers are obliged to observe lawful procedures and respect individual rights, especially when exercising police powers, as recognized under Article 11 and Article 13(2) of the Constitution, as well as Section 37 of the Code of Criminal Procedure