Lakshika Dilani Kulathunga vs. Sisira and Others – SCFR NO 531/2012-2012

In the case between Lakshika Dilani Kulathunga (petitioner) and Sisira (Officer in Charge, Kottawa police), Upali (Sub Inspector/Acting Officer in Charge), and others (respondents), the court addressed the infringement of fundamental rights arising from unlawful police conduct. The issue centered on the abuse of police authority, including arbitrary detention and compelling a person to appear at the police station through intimidation and deceptive practices without due process. It was held that, while insufficient material was established for a violation under Article 11, the petitioner’s rights under Articles 12(1) (equality before the law) and 13(1) (freedom from arbitrary arrest) of the Constitution were clearly breached. The principle reaffirmed emphasized that police officers must ac