Charith Eshanka Hopwood v. Inspector of Police Gunawardena et al. – NO. 257/2018-2021

In the case between Charith Eshanka Hopwood and Inspector of Police Gunawardena, Officer-in-Charge, Minor Offences Branch, Police Station, Ragama, along with other police officials and the Attorney General, the court addressed the violation of constitutional rights arising from the arrest and detention of the petitioner. The key issue concerned whether the arrest and detention were arbitrary and in contravention of Articles 11, 12(1), 13(1), 13(2), and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution, and whether proper procedure under the Code of Criminal Procedure was followed. The findings established that the arrest lacked sufficient evidentiary basis and procedural compliance, particularly regarding the duty to inform the detained individual of the reasons for arrest. Relief in damages was awarded to the