Hattuwan Pedige Sugath Karunarathne Vs. The Hon. Attorney General – SC APPEAL 32/2020-2020

In the case between the Attorney General (representing the State) and Hattuwan Pedige Sugath Karunarathne, the court examined whether the trial met standards of fairness, specifically regarding procedural irregularities, adequacy of legal representation, and the appropriateness of the cumulative sentence imposed for charges of kidnapping and rape involving a minor. It was held that deficiencies in the conduct of the trial, especially concerning the reading of indictments and representation for the accused, resulted in a miscarriage of justice. The findings established that the evidence did not conclusively prove all charges beyond reasonable doubt, and the aggregate sentence of 81 years was determined to be excessive. The principle reaffirmed is that criminal proceedings must comply with c