Ran Menike v. Senaratne – sllr 2002 volume 3 page 274

In the case between Ranmenike (Plaintiff) and Senaratne (Defendant), the court addressed whether exemplary costs, which possess a punitive element, may be awarded in a writ of habeas corpus application. The central issue involved the liability for arrest or detention of the corpus and the punitive response to false declarations made to the court by respondents. The court held that exemplary costs can serve as a punitive measure in lieu of separate civil damages where official misconduct and deception are found. Established principles were reaffirmed with reference to K. Leela Violet v. I. P. Vidanapathirana and Sebastian M. Hongray v. Union of India, emphasizing that exemplary costs go beyond compensation to function as a deterrent against official malfeasance. The decision mandates paymen