J.M. Sugath Ranjan Jayakody vs The Officer in Charge, Police Station, Polonnaruwa – CA BAL/15/21-2022

In the case between J.M. Sugath Ranjan Jayakody (Suspect–Petitioner) and the Officer-in-Charge, Crime Branch, Police Station, Polonnaruwa, along with related Respondents, the court addressed the issue of whether bail should be granted to a suspect detained under the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act No. 4 of 2015. It was held that exceptional circumstances justified the grant of bail, specifically considering prolonged remand, lack of progress in proceedings, and health-related concerns presented by the Petitioner. The court reaffirmed the principle that, under the Act, bail may be granted only in exceptional circumstances, balancing protection for victims and witnesses with the rights of the accused to a timely judicial process. This decision emphasized th