Rajapaksha Pathirage Justin Rajapaksha vs Prasanna Rathnayake et al. – SC FR 689/2012-2012

In the case between Rajapaksha Pathirage Justin Rajapaksha (petitioner) and several police officers, including Prasanna Rathnayake (1st Respondent), the court addressed allegations of unlawful arrest, detention, and fabrication of charges leading to violations of fundamental constitutional rights. The court held that the arrest and detention of the petitioner were carried out without legal justification, resulting in infringement of rights under Articles 11, 12(1), 13(1), and 13(2) of the Constitution. The findings established state liability for police misconduct and ordered compensation to the petitioner, reaffirming the principle that law enforcement officers and the State are accountable for the protection against arbitrary actions and for redress in cases of abuse. The decision emphas