Kanthiah Thambu Chelliah and Others v. Paranage Inspector of Police and Others – sllr 1982 volume 1 page 132

In the case between Kanthiah Thambu Chelliah and Others (Petitioners) and Paranage Inspector of Police and Others (Respondents), the court addressed the interpretation of “unlawful activity” under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979, specifically whether it extends to acts that constitute offences, and the validity of Ministerial detention orders (specifically the second set, marked X2). The court examined whether continued detention under the Act was justified for three petitioners, and whether remand and trial were required for S. Murugiah in light of the evidence. The holding affirmed that while “unlawful activity” was broadly defined in relation to abetment and conspiracy, it was not to be interpreted so broadly as to substitute established procedure w