Amuhenkande Kankanamlage Jayasena v. Kamal Perera et al. – SC FR APPLICATION NO. 350/2013-2016

In the case between Amuhenkande Kankanamlage Jayasena (Petitioner) and several police officials including Kamal Perera and others (Respondents), the court addressed whether the arrest of the Petitioner, arising from a dispute over a property sale, constituted a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 12(1), 13(1), and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution. It was held that the police possessed reasonable grounds under Section 32(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act to effect the arrest, even though the dispute initially emerged as a civil matter. The holding reaffirmed the principle that criminal liability can arise from civil transactions when supported by evidence of dishonest intent. The decision relied on statutory interpretation and relevant case law, clarifying that police action r