Lakshman Ananda Wijemanne vs. Officer-in-Charge, Special Crime Investigation Bureau – CA PHC 149/2016-2022

In the case between Lakshman Ananda Wijemanne (5th Accused, Appellant) and Officer-in-Charge, Special Crime Investigation Bureau, Kuliyapitiya Police (Respondent), the court addressed the propriety of adding the appellant as an accused by the Magistrate in light of evidentiary standards and required procedural safeguards. It was held that the appellant was charged without sufficient evidence and in the absence of due investigative process. The principle reaffirmed was that criminal charges must not be framed against an individual unless a fair and adequate investigation is conducted with supporting material on record. Reference was made to relevant case law emphasizing the need for rigorous procedural adherence before framing charges. The decision clarified that the focus must always remai