Arumugam Sebesthiyan vs The Hon. Attorney General – SC APPEAL 129/2017-2024

The case between Arumugam Sebesthiyan and the Attorney General’s Department addressed the issue of whether the prosecution established the chain of custody beyond a reasonable doubt, the legality of using police investigation notes, and the rejection of defense evidence based on contradictory witness accounts. It was determined that the prosecution’s evidence was sufficient to maintain the High Court conviction for possession and trafficking of heroin, which resulted in a life imprisonment sentence. The decision relied on detailed analysis of procedural history, relevant statutory provisions, and prior precedents, emphasizing that no substantial miscarriage of justice occurred.

Vijith K. Malalgoda, PC, J. — The opinion detailed the factual background and procedural history, including