Patali Champika Ranawaka vs Honourable Attorney-General – SC APPEAL NO 116/2022-2025

In the case between the party challenging the indictment (Appellant) and the Attorney-General along with other accused (Respondents), the Supreme Court addressed whether the doctrine of issue estoppel is applicable in Sri Lankan criminal proceedings. The Court held that issue estoppel does not apply in criminal matters in Sri Lanka, reaffirming the principle that public policy and established legal doctrine preclude the extension of civil estoppel rules (such as res judicata pro veritate accipitur) to criminal trials. The decision relied on both English and Sri Lankan precedent, clarifying that the Attorney-General is not legally required to set aside a prior conviction before initiating a subsequent indictment. The appeal was dismissed, and directions were issued for the expeditious trial