Thuwan Siththi Jesima vs Officer-in-Charge Financial Investigation Unit, et al. – CA PHC APN 73/2013-2014

In the case between Thuwan Siththi Jesima and the Officer-in-Charge, Financial Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, Colombo 01, along with the Hon. Attorney General, the court addressed whether the prolonged remand period of the suspect without charges constituted “exceptional circumstances” justifying the grant of bail. The court held that an extended remand of one year and eight months without formal charges amounts to “exceptional circumstances,” thereby permitting the suspect’s release on bail. The principle reaffirmed is that the unusual and prolonged detention of a suspect without filing of charges must be considered an exceptional circumstance for bail under the legal framework, referencing the rationale in CA(PHC)APN38/2009, and establishing that the length of pre