Abeyratne v. Gunatilake and Others – sllr 1994 volume 2 page 294

In H. B. Abeyratne v. GUNATILAKE and others (including Superintendent of Police Mahawa and O.I.C. Police Station Polpithigama), the court addressed whether the petitioner’s fundamental right to freedom of speech under Article 14(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution was violated by the respondents’ refusal to grant a loudspeaker permit for a political meeting. Scrutiny of the administrative process revealed procedural irregularities, lack of timely communication, and discrepancies in official records concerning permit applications. It was held that the petitioner’s constitutional rights were infringed by the police actions, warranting compensation from the respondents. The decision reaffirmed the principle that administrative authorities must act lawfully and transparently in matters affecting