Kelum Dharshana Kumarasinghe vs. S. Hettiarachchi and Others – SC FR APPLICATION NO. 108/2010-2015

In the case between 13 ex-army detainees (represented by Kelum Dharshana Kumarasinghe) and various Respondents including law enforcement and government officials, the court addressed the legality of arrests and detentions conducted without informing the detainees of the reasons for arrest, in alleged violation of Articles 12(1), 13(1), and 13(2) of the Constitution. It was held that the Respondents failed to establish a lawful basis for the arrest and detention of the detainees, leading to infringement of constitutional rights. The decision reaffirmed the principle that arrests must be substantiated by clear, lawful reasons, and due process must be observed, relying on constitutional standards governing personal liberty. The Respondents were ordered to pay compensation to each detainee, em