Owitigalage Maithreepala Owitigala vs N. K. Ilangakoon and others – SC FR 12/2015-2025

In the matter of Owitigalage Maithreepala Owitigala (Petitioner) and N. K. Ilangakoon, Inspector General of Police, et al. (Respondents), the court addressed the legality of disciplinary proceedings and alleged infringement of Fundamental Rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution following the Petitioner’s arrest for soliciting a bribe and subsequent discharge from criminal charges due to a procedural error. The court held that the discharge from criminal proceedings did not preclude disciplinary action and that the disciplinary inquiry was conducted fairly. This decision reaffirmed the principle that the outcome of criminal proceedings does not bear on disciplinary findings. The petition was dismissed.

P. PADMAN SURASENA, J. – Heard submissions from both parties. The Petitioner, a P