Atukorale and Others v. T.P.F. De Silva – I.G.P. and Others – sllr 1996 volume 1 page 280

In the case of Atukorale and Others (including top officials of the United National Party and affiliated trade unions) v. T. P. F. de Silva – Inspector General of Police and others, the court addressed the issue of alleged violations of fundamental rights, specifically regarding political discrimination, freedom of speech, and peaceful assembly under the Constitution (Articles 12(1), 12(2), 14(1)(a), and 14(1)(b)). It was held that the police refusal to permit the UNP’s May Day rally and procession in Kandy, while allowing other political parties similar rights elsewhere, was unjustified and discriminatory. The ruling reaffirmed the principle that State actions must comply with constitutional guarantees of equality and fundamental freedoms. Reliance was placed on the Police Ordinance and c