Rannula Sugath Mohana Mendis vs. D. K. A. Sanath Kumara, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Embilipitiya and others – SC FR 100/2022-2023

In the case between Rannula Sugath Mohana Mendis (Petitioner) and D. K. A. Sanath Kumara, M. N. S. Mendis, J. S. Wirasekara, Mahinda Gunarathna, C. D. Wickramaratne, and others (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether the interdiction of a Police Officer, effected without conducting a preliminary investigation or providing specific reasons, contravened fundamental rights under the Constitution of Sri Lanka. It was held that the interdiction violated the Petitioner’s rights to equality before the law and to pursue a lawful occupation, as enshrined in Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution. The principle reaffirmed is that procedural safeguards, including the requirement for a prompt preliminary investigation and specification of reasons, are mandatory for lawful inte