Priyantha Dias v. Ekanayake, Reserve Police Constable, Police Station, Polpithigama and Others – sllr 2001 volume 1 page 224

In the case between Priyantha Dias (plaintiff) and Ekanayake (Reserve Police Constable) along with other police personnel (defendants), the court addressed allegations of unlawful arrest and torture in violation of Articles 13(1) and 11 of the Constitution. It was held that the arrest of the plaintiff was not supported by lawful grounds and that the police officers subjected the plaintiff to inhuman and degrading treatment amounting to torture. Key legal principles reaffirmed include the protection of personal liberty and the absolute prohibition of torture by State officers. The decision relied on constitutional provisions and evaluated affidavit evidence, medical reports, and the conduct of the respondents, emphasizing the duty of the State and police to uphold individual rights and the