SC.FR.527-2011: Puwakketiyage Sajith Suranga Bogahawatta vs Prasad, Sunil, Sugath Palitha, Samantha, Inspector of Police Nalaka, N.K.Illangakoon and Hon.Attorney General – SC FR APPLICATION NO. 527/2011-2011

In the case between Puwakketiyage Sajith Suranga Bogahawatta (petitioner) and police officers including Sub-Inspector Prasad, Sergeant Sunil, Sergeant Sugath Palitha, Civil Defence Officer Samantha, Inspector Nalaka, Inspector General of Police N.K. Illangakoon, and the Attorney General of Sri Lanka (respondents), the court addressed the issue of violation of fundamental rights under Articles 11 and 13(1) of the Constitution. It was held that the actions of the 1st to 5th respondents, including unlawful arrest, physical assault, and public humiliation of the petitioner, amounted to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment prohibited by the Constitution. The principle reaffirmed is that law enforcement officers are prohibited from engaging in acts of torture or degrading treatment, regardless