Rajakaruna Herath Mudiyanselage Keerthirathna vs. Premarathna et al. – SC FR. NO. 491/2011-2011

In the case between Rajakaruna Herath Mudiyanselage Keerthirathna (petitioner) and Police Constable Premarathna, the Officer-in-Charge of Anamaduwa Police Station, the Inspector General of Police, and the Honourable Attorney General (respondents), the court addressed the legality of the petitioner’s arrest and subsequent detention. The dispute centered on the date, the officer effecting the arrest, and whether due process was observed in arresting and producing the petitioner before the Magistrate. The findings established that the petitioner was erroneously arrested and wrongfully held in custody, violating rights guaranteed under Articles 12(1) and 13(1) of the Constitution. Relief was granted by way of compensation against both the police officers and the State, alongside directions for