M S K Wickramanayake and D C P Kumarasinghe vs Mahinda Balasooriya and others – SC F R APPLICATION NO. 81/2010-2019

In the case between M S K Wickramanayake and D C P Kumarasinghe (petitioners) and Mahinda Balasooriya (Inspector General of Police) along with other senior police officials and government authorities (respondents), the court addressed the lawfulness of orders issued by superior officers to release detained items and individuals in the context of alleged election-related irregularities, and whether subsequent disciplinary actions and transfers infringed upon constitutionally guaranteed equality before the law. It was held that the directions to release both the property and suspects were manifestly illegal, and the transfers and disciplinary actions were arbitrary and violated the petitioners’ rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The judgment reaffirmed the principle that public