Lama Hewage Lal (Deceased) Rani Fernando (Wife of Decased Lal) and Others Vs Officer-In-Charge, Minor Offences, Seeduwa Police Station and Others – sllr 2005 volume 1 page 040

In the case between the wife and minor children of Lama Hewage Lai (plaintiffs) and the Officer-in-Charge, Minor Offences, Seeduwa Police Station, together with other State officials including prison officers at Negombo Prison (defendants), the court addressed the violation of fundamental rights under Articles 11 and 13(4) of the Constitution due to the custodial death of the deceased. The court determined that unlawful assault and inhuman treatment by prison officials resulted in the death of the detainee while in custody. Reliance was placed on testimonial, medical, and post-mortem evidence, established constitutional provisions, and relevant precedents. Compensation was awarded to the lawful heirs of the deceased, reaffirming the principle that State and individual officials may be held