Senaratne v. Punya De Silva and Others – sllr 1995 volume 1 page 272

In the case between Dr. Rajitha Senaratne (petitioner) and Punya De Silva and others (including police officers and state authorities), the court addressed the issue of alleged violations of fundamental rights under Articles 13(1) and 13(2) of the Constitution, specifically concerning protection from arbitrary arrest and the right to be promptly informed of the grounds for arrest. It was held that the arrest and subsequent detention of the petitioner, in connection with the Prima Bakery hostage incident, occurred without reasonable suspicion and failed to comply with legally mandated procedures. The decision reaffirmed that arrests must be supported by credible evidence and that constitutional guarantees regarding personal liberty are paramount. The findings emphasized the necessity of str