Ranawaka Aarachchige Gamini Jayarathne vs. S.M.L.R. Bandara Officer-in-Charge, Aralaganwila Police Station – SC FR 346/2018-2025

The court addressed the legal propriety of the Petitioners’ arrest and remand following a public protest regarding the human–elephant conflict. The primary issue considered was whether the Petitioners’ fundamental rights under Articles 12, 13, and 14 of the Constitution were violated by their arrest and extended detention, particularly in light of police actions pursuant to orders under section 106 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act. The holding established that while the arrest was lawful, the subsequent remand custody lacked both factual and legal justification, resulting in a violation of constitutional protections. The court reaffirmed the principle that enforcement of law and public order must be balanced against fundamental rights, such as freedom of assembly and due process, refe