Ratnapala v. Dharmasiri, Headquarters Inspector, Ratnapura and Others – sllr 1993 volume 1 page 224

In the case between Ratnapala (petitioner) and Hector Dharmasiri (Headquarters Inspector), I.P. Gunasekera (Officer-in-Charge), subordinate police officers, and the State, the court addressed the issue of alleged infringement of fundamental rights under Article 11 of the Constitution arising from acts of torture and inhuman treatment in police custody. It was determined that the petitioner was subjected to brutal assault resulting in serious injuries, including the removal of a lung, with responsibility attributed both to police officers who directly participated in the acts and to their superiors who authorized or permitted such conduct. The holding reaffirmed that personal accountability attaches not only to perpetrators but also those who tolerate or acquiesce in torture. The decision r