Dola Mullage Gunarathna and Mallika Arachchige Lakshman v. K. W. E. Karalliyadda et al. – SC FR 18/2020-2022

In the case between Dola Mullage Gunarathna and Mallika Arachchige Lakshman (police officers) and the National Police Commission, Public Service Commission, Inspector General of Police, and officers including the 11th Respondent, the court addressed the legality of backdating the 11th Respondent’s promotion from Sub-Inspector to Inspector of Police. It was held that this backdating violated the Petitioners’ fundamental rights under Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution, as the process created an unjust disparity in career progression by granting dual benefits from special and time-based promotion schemes. The decision relied on established constitutional safeguards and relevant statutory criteria, emphasizing that procedural fairness and adherence to guidelines are fundamental in